the biological model of stress

Question 1

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Answer 1

a three-stage physiological response to stress that occurs regardless of the stressor that is encountered.

Question 2

Stage 1 Alarm reaction

Answer 2

The alarm reaction occurs when the person (or animal) first becomes aware of the stressor.
This stage comprises two phases/sub-stages

Question 3

alarm reaction - shock

Answer 3

body’s ability to deal with the stressor falls below normal functioning.

Question 4

alarm reaction - countershock

Answer 4

the sympathetic nervous system is activated and the body’s resistance to the stressor increases.

Question 5

stage 2 Resistance

Answer 5

high levels of stress hormones like cortisol begin to suppress the functioning of the immune system (immunosuppression), making an individual more susceptible to ‘wear and tear’, such as getting sick.

Question 6

stage 3 Exhaustion

Answer 6

resistance to a stressor falls below normal levels of functioning as the body becomes depleted and unable to maintain heightened arousal.

Question 7

strengths of GAS

Answer 7

• Describes and explains both immediate and long-term effects of stress with reference to research
• Developed awareness and understanding of a link between stress and disease
• Developed awareness and understanding that the body has limited resources to cope with chronic/prolonged stress
• Identifies the biological processes associated with different stages of stress e.g. roles of endocrine system

Question 8

limitations of GAS

Answer 8

• Only considers the biological components of stress, not psychological
• Does not take account of or explain individual differences in physiological responses to a stressor.
• Does not acknowledge the subjective nature of the stress response
• Findings are primarily based on the results of animal research and may therefore be of limited relevance to the human stress response.