selye's general adaptation syndrome

Question 1

Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 1

a three-stage physiological response to stress involving alarm, resistance and exhaustion

Question 2

alarm - shock

Answer 2

individual goes into shock: the ability to deal with stress falls below normal level
- parasympathetic symptoms (faint/freeze/collapse)
- decreased heart rate, blood pressure, body temp, muscle tone

Question 3

alarm - countershock

Answer 3

flight-fight response

• increase hormones to supply muscles with energy
• release of cortisol and adrenaline into bloodstream, heart, and respiratory system

Question 4

resistance

Answer 4

state of stress continues
- energy required and body will respond in order to cope

• cortisol release aids in remaining alert and reduces inflammation for pain relief
• energises the body

non-essential physiological functions are supressed (immunity, growth hormone, reproductive system)

Question 5

exhaustion

Answer 5

the body’s ability to deal with stress declines
- person is susceptible to illness and depression

DECREASED RESISTANCE TO DISEASE
vulnerable to anxiety, depression, irritability
- hypertension, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems
- stomach ulcers/tumours

Question 6

strengths of GAS

Answer 6

• one of the first researchers to suggest a link between stress and illness
• identified the role hormones played in stress

Question 7

weaknesses of GAS

Answer 7

• the research is generalised to humans from animals
• overlooks the role of psychological factors
• model assumes everyone reacts in the same way to stress