developed a set of observations about the organism’s behavior under such condi-
tions. This set of observations is called the general adaptation syndrome
(GAS),a pattern that describes how an organism responds under conditions that
induce chronic stress. There are three stages in the general adaptation syndrome:
(1) The alarm reaction, (2) the stage of resistance, and (3) the stage of exhaustion.
The alarm reactionis characterized by an increase in arousal and general
alertness. The pulse and respiration rates increase and the blood vessels of the stri-
ated muscles narrow. The organism prepares itself to deal with a threat. The alarm
reaction is the individual’s response to a novel stressor.(a) What is the name of the pattern that describes how an organism responds under condi-
tions that induce chronic stress?(b) The reaction is the individual’s response to a novel stressor.
Answers: (a) The general adaptation syndrome; (b) alarm.The stage of resistanceis characterized by reduced agitation and excite-
ment. This stage represents an organism’s response to a stressor that has become
chronic. The individual learns to live with the stressor. During the stage of resist-
ance, the organism seems to have adapted to adverse conditions. Learning and
reproduction are possible.
The stage of exhaustionis associated with illness and death. The death is a
premature one. Postmortem examinations of rats subjected to chronic stressors
revealed that their adrenal glands were swollen. They had adapted at great physio-
logical cost. During the stage of resistance, the adrenal glands had pumped out
excessive amounts of their hormones and had overtaxed themselves.(a) What stage of the general adaptation syndrome is characterized by reduced agitation
and excitement?(b) What stage of the general adaptation syndrome is characterized by illness and death?
Answers: (a) The stage of resistance; (b) The stage of exhaustion.The importance of the general adaptation syndrome has not been lost on
physicians and psychologists. Research suggests that human beings, like Selye’s
rats, are also subject to the damaging effects of chronic stressors. Research on life
change units and Type A behavior reveal the important role that stress plays in
human illness.
Life change units (LCUs)refers to stressors arising from events in a per-
son’s life that require adaptation. The two researchers who pioneered the general
approach are R. H. Rahe and T. H. Holmes. Studying a large group of subjects,Emotions: Riding Life’s Roller Coaster 113