3b GAS model

• Hans Selye developed the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) as a biological model of stress, emphasizing non-specific physiological changes in response to stressors
• The GAS consists of three stages: Alarm reaction, Resistance, and Exhaustion
• In the Alarm reaction stage, the body responds to the immediate threat or challenge with two phases: Shock (decrease in muscle tone, body temperature, and blood sugar levels) and Countershock (release of Adrenaline and Cortisol, activation of Fight-Flight-Freeze Response)
• Resistance stage occurs when the stressor persists, with the body actively dealing with the stressor, cortisol levels at their highest, and physiological negative symptoms appearing
• Exhaustion is the final stage where the body has depleted reserves due to prolonged stress, leading to increased susceptibility to physical and psychological illnesses
• Possible advantages of Cortisol in the Alarm Reaction and Resistance stages include energizing the body and assisting with pain relief, while disadvantages in the Resistance and Exhaustion stages involve inhibiting immune system functions and increasing the risk of chronic illnesses
• Strengths of the GAS model include recognizing a predictable pattern of physiological responses and the relationship between chronic stress and illness, while limitations include focusing only on biological aspects and prescribing a uniform model for all individuals in response to stressors