General Adaptation Syndrome

Question 1

General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 1

• physiological changes the body experiences when under stress

Question 2

Shock

Stage 1 : Alarm Reaction (3)

Answer 2

• first becomes aware of stressor
• body goes into temporary state of distress/fright and acts as if injure; drop in blood pressure and body temperature
• ability to deal with stressor falls below normal level

Question 3

Countershock

Stage 1 : Alarm Reaction (3)

Answer 3

• sympathetic nervous system activates fight-flight response and state of physiological readiness
• increases the body’s resistance to the stressor with the release of adrenalin
• resources mobilised and diverted to the muscles and other parts of the body that may be needed;

Question 4

Resistance

Stage 2 (3)

Answer 4

• continues dealing with stressor at above normal level
• cortisol released into the bloodstream to further energise the body but causing immunosuppression and vulnerability to disease
• parasympathetic nervous system returns body to homeostasis if successful

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Question 5

Exhaustion

Stage 3 (3)

Answer 5

• can no longer deal with the stressor at above normal level; resistance falls below normal level
• body’s resources depleted and systems operating at an elevated rate for a pronlonged time leading to physical wear and tear and vulnerability to severe diseases
• extreme fatigue, anxiety, hypertension may occur

Question 6

Strengths of GAS

(3)

Answer 6

• establishes connection between stress and illness
• focuses on physiological responses to stress
• describes both short-term and long-term effects of stress

Question 7

Limitations of GAS

(3)

Answer 7

• does not account for individual differences in responses to stress
• overlooks psychological responses to stress
• based off of animal research not humans