Question

While cleaning your house, you notice a large spider on the wall by your head and feel your heart rate jump up and your skin temperature grow warm. Which stage of stress response are you experiencing? A. Alarm B. Resistance C. Exhaustion D. Homeostasis

Short answer

A. Alarm

Step-by-step solution

- Understanding the Stress Response Stages

There are three main stages of stress response: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion. Homeostasis is the body's normal state without stress. Alarm is the immediate reaction to a stressor, Resistance is the body’s attempt to adapt, and Exhaustion is when the body's resources are depleted.

- Identify the Symptoms

You feel your heart rate jump up and your skin temperature grow warm. These responses are sudden and immediate.

- Match Symptoms to Stress Response Stage

An increased heart rate and warmth are characteristic of the Alarm stage, where the body prepares for 'fight or flight' in response to a stressor.

- Select the Correct Answer

Based on the symptoms and the understanding of the stages, the correct answer is Alarm.

Key concepts

alarm stage

When you first perceive a stressor, such as noticing a large spider on the wall, your body immediately responds with the Alarm Stage of the stress response. This stage is characterized by a sudden release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare your body to deal with the threat.

The Alarm Stage is the body's initial shock phase and is crucial for survival. It triggers the 'fight or flight' response, activating various physiological changes to help you either confront or flee from the danger. In this phase, your heart rate increases, your muscles tense up, and your senses become more acute.
Notably, this stage is short-term and is meant to get your body ready to handle the stressor immediately.

physiological symptoms

During the Alarm Stage, you will experience several physiological symptoms, which are direct effects of the stress hormones flooding your system. Here are some common physiological symptoms you might notice:

• Increased heart rate: Your heart pumps faster to deliver more oxygen to your muscles.
• Warm skin: Blood flow to your skin increases, causing a warm sensation.
• Rapid breathing: Your respiratory rate goes up to take in more oxygen.
• Sweating: Your body starts to produce sweat to cool itself down.

These symptoms are part of the body's natural preparation for immediate physical action. They are not harmful in the short term but can become problematic if experienced frequently over a long period.

fight or flight response

The term 'fight or flight response' describes your body's automatic reaction to a threat. When faced with a stressor, your body needs to make a quick decision:

Should it stand its ground and 'fight' the threat, or should it retreat and 'flight'?

• Fight: Your body prepares muscles for physical exertion, making you ready to confront the stressor.
• Flight: Alternatively, your body gets ready to escape, ensuring that you have the energy and speed to run away.

This response is deeply rooted in your biology and is designed to protect you from harm. Modern stressors may not always be life-threatening, but your body still reacts in the same way as during ancient times when our ancestors faced actual physical dangers.

stress adaptation

After the initial shock of the Alarm Stage, if the stressor continues, your body enters the Resistance Stage. Here, it tries to adapt to the ongoing stress. Stress adaptation involves several mechanisms:

• Normalization of heart rate: Your heart rate might return to a more normal pace as your body adjusts.
• Elevated hormone levels: Cortisol levels remain higher than normal to help you cope.
• Energy management: Your body starts to conserve energy, refocusing resources on essential functions.

This adaptation is a way for your body to focus on maintaining internal balance (homeostasis) despite the stress. However, if the stress persists for too long, your body may eventually enter the Exhaustion Stage, where its resources are depleted.