General Adaptation Syndrome Model

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The connection between stress and human health has been receiving a tremendous amount of attention in the popular as well as scientific literature in recent decades. Knowledge of both has been expanding considerably and is in constant review and literature and studies produced surrounding the topic are continually expanding. In simple terms and as explained by the National Health Services (2014), stress in humans is the feeling of being under too much ‘mental, physical and emotional pressure’. Pargman (2006) explains that stress is a human response to a specific stimulus or stressor yet it can be both negative and positive. For instance, a student completing an essay is in fact not the stimulus, however the time frame, deadline date, quantity …show more content…

Nevid (2012) explains that the model is referred as general as the body produces the same response regardless of the stressor and adaptation refers to the point that the body will always try and cope with the stressor. In addition, the GAS model consists of three predictable stages which illustrates the body’s response to the stress. Stage one is known as the ‘Alarm’ reaction and at this point the body recognises the stressor (death of a close relative) and responds (Timby, 2009). More in depth, the hypothalamus in the brain triggers the production of adrenaline which in turn allows the body to fight or flight the stressor. The next stage, ‘Resistance’ occurs if the body copes with the continuing stress of the death of the relative for example (Olpin and Hesson, 2015). Hear the body is thought to adapt to the stressor and subsequently attempts to cope with it. It must be noted that at this stage, the bodies resources are gradually depleting meaning physiologically the body begins to deteriorate, for example lack of sleep or sickness occurs. The final stage of GAS is ‘Exhaustion’ where the body is no longer able to cope with stressor. At this point, the body is unable to maintain normal functions and the initial stress related symptoms from stage one may reappear, for example raised heart rate. Moreover, the body’s immune system may not be able to cope with the stress which could consequently result in a stress-related illness like heart disease (Timby,

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