Question

The alarm stage of Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome is essentially the same as: A. the fight-or-flight response. B. constructive coping. C. catharsis. D. secondary appraisal.

Short answer

Answer: The alarm stage is best described as the fight-or-flight response.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

General adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a three-stage response that the body goes through when subjected to stress. The three stages are Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.

Understand the alarm stage

The alarm stage is the immediate response to a stressor. It's a short-term "fight-or-flight" response where the body releases hormones, such as adrenaline, to cope with the stressor. This stage prepares the body for any impending danger or threat.

Evaluate Option A

Option A suggests that the alarm stage is the same as the fight-or-flight response. As mentioned earlier, the alarm stage deals with the immediate response to a stressor and involves the release of hormones to prepare the body for action. Hence, Option A seems to be the correct answer.

Evaluate Option B

Option B, constructive coping, refers to the techniques used to manage stress effectively. Constructive coping doesn't necessarily involve only the alarm stage but also the other stages of GAS. Therefore, it doesn't accurately describe the alarm stage.

Evaluate Option C

Option C, catharsis, is the release or expression of pent-up emotions or stress. This concept is not directly related to the alarm stage of GAS and doesn't describe it accurately.

Evaluate Option D

Option D, secondary appraisal, refers to the evaluation of the resources available to cope with a stressor. This concept is a part of the overall stress response and doesn't specifically describe the alarm stage of GAS.

Choose the correct answer

After evaluating all the given options, it is evident that the alarm stage of Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome aligns with the fight-or-flight response. So, the correct answer is Option A.