General adaptation syndrome (GAS) predicts a body’s response to stress in three stages. The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome is alarm reaction, and this is when there is a distress signal sent to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. Then, the brain is triggered to release hormones known as glucocorticoids that will trigger stress hormone, which is adrenaline and cortisol ( Coon & Mitterer, 2013) . The adrenaline then boosts an individual’s energy leading to a faster heart rate, increased pressure, and rising blood sugar levels. During the alarm reaction stage, an individual is triggered to respond to stress they experience, and this is often referred to as a "fight or flight" response.
The second stage of the general adaptation syndrome is resistance, and this is when the body attempts to counteract the biological changes that took place at the alarm reaction stage. A person's autonomic nervous system (ANS) known as the parasympathetic is responsible for governing the resistance stage, and it does so by trying to return the body to normal ( Coon & Mitterer, 2013) . Here, the cortisol produced is lowered; hence leading to a decline in the heart rate and blood pressure levels. In the case where the stressful situation ends during the resistance stage, the body goes back to normal, but if the stressor remains, there will be continuous production of hormones. As a result, the body remains in an alert state, and an individual struggle to concentrate and finds themselves irritable.
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The final stage of the general adaptation syndrome is exhaustion, and this occurs if the stressor persists. Here, the body has completely consumed its energy resources and begins to recover from the first stage of alarm reaction. During the final stage of the general adaptation syndrome, one’s body is no longer in a position to fight stress ( Coon & Mitterer, 2013) . As a result, they may go into depression, anxiety, become tired, and incapable of coping with stressors. If an individual does not find ways of managing stress, then they are more likely to develop stress-related health conditions.
Reference
Coon, D., & Mitterer, J. O. (2013). Psychology: A journey . Cengage Learning.
