What is the 'General Adaptation Syndrome'?

The 'General Adaptation Syndrome' is accurately described as a model of the body's stress response. This concept, developed by Hans Selye, outlines how the body reacts to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. During the alarm stage, the body recognizes a stressor and initiates a physiological response, commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body to confront the challenge. In the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stressful situation, engaging resources to foster recovery and maintain function. Finally, if the stress continues for an extended period without sufficient coping mechanisms, the exhaustion stage occurs, where the body's resources are depleted, leading to potential health issues.

The other options pertain to different areas—sleep patterns, positive thinking, and exercise benefits—which do not relate directly to the physiological response to stress. Understanding General Adaptation Syndrome is crucial for recognizing how chronic stress can affect physical and mental well-being, and it highlights the importance of effective coping strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress.