General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), also known as the stress response, refers to a physiological and psychological reaction of the body to prolonged or excessive stressors. It was first introduced by Canadian endocrinologist Hans Selye in 1936 and is widely recognized as a fundamental concept in stress research.
GAS involves a three-stage process that the body goes through when faced with a stressor. The first stage, called the alarm reaction, occurs when the body identifies a potential threat and activates the "fight or flight" response. During this stage, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and secretion of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
If the stressor persists, the body enters the second stage, called the resistance stage. In this phase, the body tries to adapt to the ongoing stressor by maintaining increased physiological arousal. It mobilizes resources to cope with the stress, while attempting to restore homeostasis. However, prolonged exposure to stress can exhaust the body's resources and lead to numerous health issues, both physical and mental.
If the stressor remains unresolved or chronic, the body eventually enters the third stage, known as the exhaustion stage. During this phase, the body's resources become depleted, and its ability to cope with stress diminishes. This can lead to an increased risk of developing various diseases, including cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and mental health conditions.
In summary, General Adaptation Syndrome describes the body's physiological and psychological responses to prolonged or excessive stress. Understanding and managing the stress response can help prevent the harmful effects associated with prolonged exposure to stressors.
