What does General Adaptation Syndrome describe?

General Adaptation Syndrome describes a three-phase model of stress response that outlines how the body reacts to stressors over time. The model, formulated by Hans Selye, illustrates the physiological changes that occur in reaction to stress. The three phases are:

1. Alarm Reaction: This initial phase occurs when the body first recognizes the stressor, triggering a fight-or-flight response. This involves the release of stress hormones, which prepare the body to face or escape the threat.

2. Resistance Stage: During this phase, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stressful situation. It continues to produce stress hormones, which can help the organism cope with the stressor but may lead to exhaustion if the stress continues for an extended period.

3. Exhaustion Stage: If the stress persists and the body is unable to maintain its adaptive response, it enters this stage. The body's resources become depleted, leading to increased vulnerability to health issues and, potentially, burnout.

This model is essential for understanding not only the stress response but also the potential long-term effects of chronic stress on health and well-being. The other answer choices do not adequately describe the complexity of how the body responds to stress over time, as each of the