U3 AOS1 A biological model of stress

Question 1

General
adaptation
syndrome (GAS)

Answer 1

a biological
model of stress
that proposes
we have a
non-specific
biological
response to
stress that occurs
in three stages

Question 2

Alarm reaction
stage

Answer 2

the first stage
of the general
adaptation
syndrome,
in which we
become aware of
the stressor; it
consists of two
phases – shock
and
countershock

Question 3

Shock

Answer 3

the first phase
of the alarm
reaction stage
of the general
adaptation
syndrome, in
which the body’s
ability to deal
with the stressor
falls below normal

Question 4

Countershock

Answer 4

the second phase
of the alarm
reaction stage
of the general
adaptation
syndrome, in
which the body’s
ability to deal
with the stressor
rises above
normal

Question 5

Exhaustion stage

Answer 5

the third stage
of the general
adaptation
syndrome,
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

Question 6

Resistance stage

Answer 6

the second stage
of the general
adaptation
syndrome, in
which the stressor
persists, and the
body’s resources
are maximised to
cope and adapt
over time