During the resistance phase of the general adaptation syndrome, which of the following events is most likely to occur?

• A. The body immediately returns to its pre-stress baseline state and all stress responses cease.
• B. The body attempts to cope with the stressor by maintaining elevated levels of stress hormones and physiological arousal.
• C. The initial shock response occurs, including a sudden drop in blood pressure and muscle tone.
• D. The body experiences a rapid depletion of energy reserves, leading to exhaustion and collapse.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model, which describes the body's physiological response to stress in three phases: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
2. Identify the characteristics of the resistance phase, which follows the initial alarm reaction where the body mobilizes resources to face the stressor.
3. Recognize that during the resistance phase, the body tries to adapt to the ongoing stress by sustaining elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and maintaining physiological arousal.
4. Note that the body does not immediately return to baseline during this phase; instead, it actively copes with the stressor to prevent damage and maintain function.
5. Distinguish the resistance phase from the exhaustion phase, where energy reserves are depleted, and the body can no longer sustain the stress response, leading to potential collapse.