General Adaptation Syndrome

Definition

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a model developed by Hans Selye that describes the physiological response of the body to stressful situations. It outlines the three stages the body goes through when exposed to prolonged stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The three stages of GAS are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, which describe the body's physiological response to prolonged stress.
2. In the alarm stage, the body's sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the release of hormones like cortisol to prepare the body for a 'fight-or-flight' response.
3. During the resistance stage, the body tries to adapt and cope with the stressor, but prolonged exposure can lead to the exhaustion stage.
4. The exhaustion stage occurs when the body's resources are depleted, and it can no longer maintain the resistance response, leading to potential health issues.
5. GAS is relevant to the context of 18.1 Problems of Work Adjustment as it explains how prolonged exposure to work-related stressors can impact an individual's physical and mental well-being, potentially leading to reduced work performance and job satisfaction.

Review Questions

• Explain how the three stages of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describe the body's response to stress.
  • The three stages of GAS are: 1) Alarm - the body's initial stress response, activating the sympathetic nervous system and releasing hormones like cortisol to prepare for a 'fight-or-flight' reaction; 2) Resistance - the body tries to adapt and cope with the stressor, but prolonged exposure can lead to the third stage; 3) Exhaustion - the body's resources become depleted, and it can no longer maintain the resistance response, potentially leading to health issues. This model demonstrates how the body reacts to and attempts to manage prolonged stress, which is relevant to understanding problems of work adjustment.
• Analyze how the concept of allostasis relates to the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model.
  • Allostasis, the process of achieving stability through physiological or behavioral change, is closely linked to the GAS model. In the GAS model, the body goes through stages of adaptation to cope with stress, which requires allostatic adjustments. During the resistance stage, the body utilizes allostatic mechanisms to try and maintain homeostasis and adapt to the stressor. However, if the stressor persists and the body enters the exhaustion stage, the allostatic load becomes too great, leading to potential health problems. Understanding the relationship between GAS and allostasis provides insight into how individuals can adjust and adapt to work-related stressors.
• Evaluate how the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model can be used to address problems of work adjustment.
  • The GAS model can be a valuable tool for understanding and addressing problems of work adjustment. By recognizing the three stages of the stress response (alarm, resistance, exhaustion), employers and employees can identify potential issues before they escalate. For example, in the alarm stage, employers can provide resources and support to help employees cope with acute stressors. In the resistance stage, organizations can implement strategies to help employees maintain work-life balance and manage prolonged stress. If the exhaustion stage is reached, the GAS model suggests the need for interventions to prevent long-term health problems and improve overall work adjustment. Applying the GAS framework can help organizations create a more supportive work environment and empower employees to better manage work-related stress.

Related terms

Stress: The body's physical, mental, and emotional response to any demand or change that requires adjustment or action.

Homeostasis: The body's natural tendency to maintain a stable, balanced internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Allostasis: The process of achieving stability through physiological or behavioral change, allowing the body to adapt to stressful situations.