How are the stages of stress in the GAS principle categorized?

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) principle, developed by Hans Selye, identifies three distinct stages the body goes through in response to stress. The first stage, known as the alarm stage, occurs when the body recognizes a stressor and initiates a fight-or-flight response. This leads to physiological changes to prepare the body for immediate action.

The second stage, resistance, is where the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stressor. During this phase, physiological functions stabilize but remain heightened, as the body copes with the stressor over an extended period. The body is essentially trying to return to a state of homeostasis while still facing the challenge presented by the stressor.

The final stage is exhaustion, which occurs if the body is exposed to the stressor for too long without adequate recovery. The resources become depleted, leading to decreased function and potential health issues.

This categorization clearly describes the sequential response to stress and illustrates how the body transitions through these stages. Each stage represents a unique physiological response to stress, highlighting the body's ability to cope and adapt, as well as the consequences of prolonged exposure to stress.