Which sequence best describes the stages of General Adaptation Syndrome?

Which sequence best describes the stages of General Adaptation Syndrome?

• A. Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion
• B. Alarm, Recovery, Exhaustion
• C. Alarm, Exhaustion, Resistance
• D. Recovery, Alarm, Resistance

Answer: (A)

General Adaptation Syndrome describes the body's response to stress in three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion. The sequence begins with alarm, when the body first recognizes the stress and triggers the fight-or-flight response with rapid release of adrenaline and other hormones. Next comes the stage of resistance, where the body tries to cope with the ongoing stress by mobilizing resources and maintaining function despite the challenge. If the stress continues and resources are depleted, the final stage is exhaustion, marked by diminished ability to adapt, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to illness or collapse. So the option that lists alarm first, then resistance, then exhaustion matches this progression. The other sequences are not correct because recovery is not a defined stage of GAS, and exhaustion cannot occur before resistance or before any initial alarm response.

General Adaptation Syndrome describes the body's response to stress in three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion. The sequence begins with alarm, when the body first recognizes the stress and triggers the fight-or-flight response with rapid release of adrenaline and other hormones. Next comes the stage of resistance, where the body tries to cope with the ongoing stress by mobilizing resources and maintaining function despite the challenge. If the stress continues and resources are depleted, the final stage is exhaustion, marked by diminished ability to adapt, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to illness or collapse. So the option that lists alarm first, then resistance, then exhaustion matches this progression. The other sequences are not correct because recovery is not a defined stage of GAS, and exhaustion cannot occur before resistance or before any initial alarm response.