The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a foundational theory in stress research, developed by Hans Selye in the 1930s. It describes a universal, three-stage physiological response that the body undergoes when exposed to any significant stressor, whether it's physical (like injury or extreme cold) or psychological (like a demanding deadline or emotional conflict). Selye argued that regardless of the stressor's nature, the body's general response pattern remains consistent. The three stages of GAS are: Alarm Reaction Stage: This is the body's initial, immediate "fight-or-flight" response to a perceived threat. Upon encountering a stressor, the sympathetic nervous system is rapidly activated. This triggers a cascade of physiological changes: the adrenal glands release stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol, leading to an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, rapid breathing, muscle tension, ...
Comments
Post a Comment