Question

At which stage of Selye's general adaptation syndrome is a person especially vulnerable to illness? a. exhaustion b. alarm reaction c. fight-or-flight d. resistance

Short answer

The stage of Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome where a person is especially vulnerable to illness is a) exhaustion.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Stages

To answer this question correctly, it’s important to have an understanding of each of the stages in the General Adaptation Syndrome presented by Selye. The syndrome consists of three stages: the alarm reaction stage, the resistance stage and the exhaustion stage.

Identifying the Stage of Vulnerability

The exhaustion stage is where the body has depleted its energy resources by continually trying to repair itself, and it becomes vulnerable to illnesses. The immune system is weakened during this phase, hence the body is more susceptible to diseases and illnesses.

Selecting the Correct Answer

Therefore, the answer is a) exhaustion because that is the stage where the body becomes most vulnerable to illness after a prolonged stressful situation.

Key concepts

Exhaustion Stage

Stress is a common experience in daily life, but excessive and prolonged stress can lead to significant health setbacks, particularly during the exhaustion stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). This is a concept introduced by Dr. Hans Selye in the 1930s after he observed the body's systemic response to stress. Selye identified three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

During the alarm stage, an immediate response to stress occurs, often referred to as 'fight-or-flight.' As the stressor continues, the body enters the resistance stage, where the body attempts to adapt to the stress and return to a state of balance or homeostasis.

However, if stress persists beyond the body's capacity for adaptation, the exhaustion stage sets in. This is characterized by the body's energy reserves becoming depleted, along with the breakdown of compensatory mechanisms that once helped sustain physiological function amidst stress. At this point, immunity is compromised, and an individual is more liable to succumb to illness.

Impact of Prolonged Stress

The exhaustion stage is not instantaneous; it is the cumulative result of chronic stress. The constant wear and tear on the body can lead to 'burnout' and serious health problems, like heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Chronic stress can also accelerate aging and diminish overall health. Understanding the significance of the exhaustion stage highlights the importance of managing stress effectively to prevent long-term health implications.

Stress and Illness

The complex relationship between stress and illness is a crucial area of study within health psychology, and understanding it can help mitigate the adverse effects of stress on health. When discussing 'stress,' we refer to the psychological and physiological responses to perceived challenges or threats in our environment.

Physiological Responses to Stress

On a biological level, stress triggers a cascade of hormonal responses, such as the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which have direct impacts on various bodily systems. While these hormones are beneficial in short bursts, long-term elevation can lead to detrimental effects on the body, including suppression of the immune system. This suppression makes a person more susceptible to infections and disease, as the body's defense mechanisms are not operating at full capacity.

Psychological Factors

Additionally, psychological factors play a role in how stress influences illness. Factors such as perception of stress, coping mechanisms, and social support all affect how an individual experiences stress and, consequently, the physical impact it has on their health. Individuals with poor stress management strategies or inadequate support systems might be more prone to stress-related health issues.

Recognizing the signs of chronic stress and seeking ways to cope, such as through relaxation techniques, exercise, and social connections, may help reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses.

Selye's Stress Theory

Hans Selye's pioneering work laid the foundation for the modern understanding of stress with his formulation of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). Selye's stress theory posits that when an organism experiences a stressful event, it goes through a three-stage process in responding to this stress.

The Alarm Reaction Stage

This is the first stage where the body recognizes the stressor and initiates a 'fight-or-flight' response that prepares the organism to either confront or evade the challenge.

The Resistance Stage

If the stress continues, the body moves to the second stage. In this phase, the body mobilizes resources to withstand the stress and strives to adapt to the ongoing strains. Despite apparent normalcy, the body is working hard internally to maintain this state.

The telltale signs of stress are often subtle but may include features like persistent fatigue, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Acknowledging these signs is vital as they indicate that the body is enduring prolonged stress and may be approaching the brink of the final stage.

The Exhaustion Stage

The third and final stage is where the prolonged stress overcomes the body's ability to resist. Here, the conservation of energy and resources is no longer sustainable, and the individual becomes more vulnerable to health issues. Selye emphasized that prolonged exposure to stressors could lead to 'diseases of adaptation,' including ulcers, hypertension, and even heart disease.

Selye's theory underscores the significance of stress management and the potential health risks when the body's limits are exceeded. Personal habits, lifestyle choices, and psychological support can all influence how we navigate through the stages of GAS and maintain our health in the face of stress.