Alarm in AP Psychology

Definition

The alarm stage is the first stage of the body's physiological response to stress, where the body recognizes a potential threat and activates its "fight-or-flight" response. It prepares the body to either confront or flee from the stressor.

Related terms

Sympathetic Nervous System:

This part of the autonomic nervous system activates during the alarm stage and triggers physical responses like increased heart rate and dilated pupils.

Adrenal Glands:

These small glands located on top of our kidneys release hormones like adrenaline during the alarm stage to prepare our bodies for immediate action.

Fight-or-flight Response: This instinctive response occurs during the alarm stage and involves either confronting or fleeing from a perceived threat.