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General Adaptation Syndrome
Hans Selye (1949) identified this Physiological adaptation to long term stress which results in a lowered resistance to illness. According to Selye stress is initially an Adaptive response which is vital to the survival of an animal.
There are three stages to this stress response.
The alarm reaction refers to the Arousal of the sympathetic division of the Autonomic nervous system and the function of this stage is to mobilise the body’s resources. Like the Fight or Flight Response this is seen as a healthy response which is essential for survival
The second stage is resistance. If the Stressor persists the body adapts to the Stressor and returns to a normal level of functioning. However the ability to resist new stressors is impaired and the organism becomes vulnerable to diseases such as ulcers and high blood pressure, fatigue and general weakness.
The third stage is exhaustion. Eventually the body’s energy reserves become depleted. As the adrenal glands cease to function and the Immune System breaks down and this leads to illness and even death can follow.
