Final answer:
Hans Selye described the general adaptation syndrome as a physiological reaction to stressors, which includes three stages: alarm reaction, stage of resistance, and stage of exhaustion that could lead to health problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hans Selye described a generalized physiological reaction to severe stressors that he called the general adaptation syndrome. This syndrome outlines a three-phase process consisting of an alarm reaction, stage of resistance, and stage of exhaustion, describing the body's nonspecific physiological response to continued stressors. The alarm reaction is an immediate response to a stressor, similar to the fight-or-flight response, characterized by a series of physiological changes that prepare the body to face a threat. The stage of resistance is where the body attempts to adapt to the stressor, followed by the stage of exhaustion, where the body's resources are depleted, leading to potential health issues. Selye's research highlighted how prolonged or repeated stress could contribute to various disorders, including hypertension and coronary artery disease.