U3 AOS 1 - DP6 Flashcards
Seyle’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS Model)
a biological model of stress that proposes we have a non-specific biological response to stress that occurs in three stages
Alarm reaction stage
the first stage is in which we become aware of the stressor; it consists of two phases (shock and counter-shock)
Two phases of alarm reaction stage
shock and counter-shock
Shock
the first phase of the alarm reaction stage in which the body’s ability to deal with the stressor falls below normal.
There is a decrease in heart rate, breathing rate and temperature drops.
Counter-shock
the second phase of the alarm reaction stage , in which the body’s ability to deal with the stressor rises above normal.
Cortisol is released as well as the activation of flight-fight response. Temperate, heart rate and breathing rate all increase.
Resistance stage
the second stage is in which the stressor persists, and the body’s resources are maximised to cope and adapt over time. Cortisol levels increase energy levels to physically work optimally but more susceptible to infection because cortisol lowers immune system when prolonged
Exhaustion stage
the third stage is in which the continued depletion of energy stores and high levels of hormones such as cortisol decrease resistance to the stressor and impair the immune system
Strengths
It is one of the first theories to suggest
that stress can weaken the body’s
resistance to illness.
It identifies various biological
processes that occur as a part of the
stress response, such as hormone
secretion and immune system
depletion.
Limitations
It does not acknowledge the psychological or cognitive processing involved in the human stress response, which can affect how much an individual experiences the stress response.
It does not account for individual differences in stress responses.
