The fight-or-flight response (also called the stress response) is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat or danger. This enables the body to take action quickly, and is intended to keep us out of (physical) harm’s way. Unfortunately for our health, this response also occurs when we are not in any immediate physical danger, but are still experiencing stress. For example, this can happen when someone is running late for an appointment or class, and is feeling stressed about trying to get there. Show
The physical changes that occur during this response can cause wear and tear within the body if the perception of stress persists. Here are a few examples of such bodily changes:
For additional information about how these physiological changes occur, click here to read more. The fight-or-flight response is also recognized as the first stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome. General Adaptation Syndrome Stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome Homeostasis is a state of physiological calmness or balance, and occurs when our bodily functions are running smoothly in conjunction with low stress levels. When exposed to stressors, this causes an imbalance to occur as the body responds to the perceived threat, and then tries to return to normal functioning. The general adaptation syndrome (GAS), developed by Hans Selye, describes the pattern of responses that the body goes through after being prompted by a stressor. There are three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
These changes will occur in the body regardless of whether the perceived stressor is considered eustress (positive or pleasant) or distress (negative or unpleasant). Ultimately, this means that we need to take active steps in managing all of our stressors, as it can build up and potentially cause harm to our health otherwise. General adaptation syndrome is a three-stage response that the body has to stress. But what do the different stages involve and what examples are there of GAS in action? Stress is sometimes thought of as a mental pressure, but it also has a physical effect on the body. Understanding the stages the body goes through when exposed to stress helps people become more aware of these physical signs of stress when they occur. This article explores what general adaption syndrome (GAS) is, its different stages, and when it may occur. It also considers how people can better manage their response to stress. Hans Selye, a Vienna-born scientist, working in the 20th century, was the first person to describe GAS. Selye found that rats displayed a similar set of physical responses to several different stressors. The latter included cold temperatures, excessive physical exertions, and injection with toxins. The scientist explained GAS as the body’s way of adapting to a perceived threat to better equip it to survive. A paper on Selye’s GAS theory was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology in 1946. The three stages of GAS are:
What happens within the body during each of these stages is explored below. Alarm reaction stageAt the alarm reaction stage, a distress signal is sent to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus enables the release of hormones called glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids trigger the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which is a stress hormone. The adrenaline gives a person a boost of energy. Their heart rate increases and their blood pressure rises. Meanwhile, blood sugar levels also go up. These physiological changes are governed by a part of a person’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) called the sympathetic branch. The alarm reaction stage of the GAS prepares a person to respond to the stressor they are experiencing. This is often known as a “fight or flight” response. ResistanceDuring the resistance stage, the body tries to counteract the physiological changes that happened during the alarm reaction stage. The resistance stage is governed by a part of the ANS called the parasympathetic. The parasympathetic branch of the ANS tries to return the body to normal by reducing the amount of cortisol produced. The heart rate and blood pressure begin to return to normal. If the stressful situation comes to an end, during the resistance stage, the body will then return to normal. However, if the stressor remains, the body will stay in a state of alert, and stress hormones continue to be produced. This physical response can lead to a person struggling to concentrate and becoming irritable. Exhaustion stageAfter an extended period of stress, the body goes into the final stage of GAS, known as the exhaustion stage. At this stage, the body has depleted its energy resources by continually trying but failing to recover from the initial alarm reaction stage. Once it reaches the exhaustion stage, a person’s body is no longer equipped to fight stress. They may experience:
If a person does not find ways to manage stress levels at this stage, they are at risk of developing stress-related health conditions. Share on PinterestStressful life events and experiences, such as being in debt or having problems at work, may lead to GAS.Selye’s study was limited to physical stressors, such as cold temperatures and physical over-exertion. However, it is now understood that life events that induce psychological stress cause the same physical reactions, as were seen in Selye’s study. The sort of life events that can cause a person to experience stress and GAS include:
In theory, the fact that these situations can cause GAS may be beneficial. The alarm reaction gives people a burst of energy and concentration that could help them to problem-solve. For most people, however, the physical response their body goes through when they are under stress is not helpful. Unlike threats people may have faced in the Stone Age, a person nowadays is unlikely to be able to resolve a stressful situation of modern-day life with a burst of energy. Long-term stress can have a negative impact on a person physically and on their immune system. A 2008 paper noted that chronic stress could:
A review from 2008 further explains that chronic stress is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Share on PinterestWriting a journal and practicing mindfulness may help to treat GAS.The first step to controlling GAS is to understand what triggers stress. Different things trigger stress for different people. It is important for a person to identify what situations and events are particularly stressful for them. It may then be possible to make lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to these triggers. For example, a long commute may be stressful. If so, moving job roles somewhere closer to home, or asking to work remotely, may help. When it is not possible to avoid a stress trigger, it is important to find a way to reduce the impact it has on body and mind. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommend physical activity as a way of reducing stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve sleep and promote a sense of wellbeing. Brisk walking or running are easy ways to take exercise. The following activities may also help:
Stress causes physical changes in the body. GAS is a three-stage process the body goes through when exposed to stressful events. Long-term stress has a negative impact on physical and mental wellbeing. The final physical stage of GAS is known as exhaustion and may happen when a person is exposed to stress for extended periods of time. This, in turn, makes them more vulnerable to stress-related illness. Understanding stress triggers may help someone to make lifestyle changes to reduce stress. Where this is not possible, finding ways to manage the impact of stress on the body and mind is critical. Managing stress can include activities, such as deep-breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation. What is the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome?General adaption syndrome, consisting of three stages: (1) alarm, (2) resistance, and (3) exhaustion. Alarm, fight or flight, is the immediate response of the body to 'perceived' stress.
What statement is true of the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome GAS )?The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome is known as the alarm and mobilization stage. The key component of the Type A behavior pattern, hostility, is highly toxic because it: produces excessive physiological arousal in stressful situations.
Which is the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome GAS in which the body gets ready for quick action?The alarm stage is the first stage of the GAS in which the body gets ready for quick action. During this stage, adrenaline—a hormone that prepares the body to react during times of stress or in an emergency—is secreted into the bloodstream. fight-or-flight response.
What are the stages of the general adaptation syndrome GAS )?The three stages of GAS are: alarm reaction. resistance. exhaustion.
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Which of the following is true of the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome (gas)?
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