Close-up on …The General Adaptation Syndrome
In Hans Selye’s theory, General Adaptation Syndrome had three stages.
Stage 1 : Alarm reaction
This is the immediate reaction to a stressor. In the initial phase of
stress, humans exhibit a "fight or flight" response. This stage takes
energy away from other systems (e.g. immune system) increasing our
vulnerability to illness.
Did you know?
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Hans Selye pioneered the field of stress research and provided arguments that stress impacted health.
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Stage 2 : Resistance
If alarm reactions continue, the body begins getting used to being
stressed. But this adaptation is not good for your health, since energy
is concentrated on stress reactions.
Stage 3 : Exhaustion
This is the final stage after long-term exposure to a stressor. The
body's resistance to stress is gradually reduced and collapses as the
immune system becomes ineffective. In Selye’s view, patients who
experience long-term stress could succumb to heart attacks or severe
infection due to their reduced resistance to illness.