Which theory describes the body's adaptation to stress through alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages?

The theory that describes the body's adaptation to stress through alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages is General Adaptation Syndrome, proposed by Hans Selye. This model illustrates how the body responds to stress in three distinct phases.

In the alarm phase, the body perceives a threat and initiates a fight-or-flight response, activating the sympathetic nervous system and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This prepares the body to face the stressor.

During the resistance phase, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stressor. Energy resources are mobilized, and the body remains on high alert, trying to cope with the stressor effectively. This phase can last for a prolonged period if the stressor continues.

Finally, if the stress persists beyond the body's ability to cope, it enters the exhaustion phase. Here, the body's resources become depleted, leading to decreased performance and increased vulnerability to illness and breakdown.

Understanding General Adaptation Syndrome is crucial for recognizing how chronic stress can impact health and well-being over time. Other theories like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs focus on human motivation and needs, the Transtheoretical Model centers on behavior change stages, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory emphasizes the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, but none capture the physiological