General Adaptation Syndrome

Question 1

What is the first stage?

Answer 1

Alarm reaction

Question 2

What happens during the first stage?

Answer 2

you are aware of the stressor, its immediate, flight/fight/freeze response
- shock: freeze
- countershock: flight/fight
initial release of adrenaline

Question 3

What is the second stage?

Answer 3

Resistance

Question 4

What happens during the second stage?

Answer 4

need to learn to cope and adapt with stressor
HPA axis
- Hypothalamus activates pituitary gland
- Pituitary gland releases ACTH and activates adrenal glands
- adrenal glands release more adrenaline and cortisol

Question 5

What is the third stage?

Answer 5

Exhaustion

Question 6

What happens during the third stage?

Answer 6

resources are depleted - major physical and psychological illness

• heart attack, stroke, death
• mental breakdown