Skip to main content
Back

General Adaptation Syndrome definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/14
  • General Adaptation Syndrome
    A model describing the body's three-stage physiological response to prolonged stress, highlighting adaptation and eventual depletion of resources.
  • Hans Selye
    A pioneering researcher who identified and described the three-phase model of the body's response to chronic stress.
  • Alarm Phase
    The initial stage marked by activation of the sympathetic nervous system, triggering intense fight-or-flight reactions and low stress resistance.
  • Resistance Phase
    A stage where the body adapts to ongoing stress, maintaining a response with reduced intensity and higher stress resistance.
  • Exhaustion Phase
    The final stage where bodily resources are depleted, leading to decreased stress resistance and increased risk of health problems.
  • Sympathetic Nervous System
    A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for initiating the fight-or-flight response during acute stress.
  • Fight-or-Flight Response
    A rapid physiological reaction involving increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration in response to perceived threats.
  • Stress Resistance
    The body's capacity to adapt and function effectively under conditions of chronic or prolonged stress.
  • Chronic Stress
    A prolonged exposure to stressors that can lead to sustained physiological responses and eventual health consequences.
  • Hypertension
    A common health issue resulting from chronic stress, characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues
    Digestive system problems, such as IBS or ulcers, often linked to reduced blood flow during extended stress.
  • Type 2 Diabetes
    A metabolic disorder associated with chronic stress due to consistently elevated blood glucose levels.
  • Muscle Tension
    A physical symptom of stress, often resulting in discomfort or headaches due to prolonged bodily arousal.
  • Immune Function
    The body's defense capability, which can be compromised during extended periods of stress, increasing vulnerability to illness.