Final answer:
The false statement about the general adaptation syndrome is that it is a universal and fixed response to stress for every individual; the model does not account for individual psychological differences in stress response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The false statement about the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) is that it is a universal and fixed response to stress that is the same for every individual. GAS, a concept proposed by Hans Selye, indeed consists of three stages: the alarm reaction, stage of resistance, and stage of exhaustion. However, the response to stress is not universal and fixed for every individual; it is influenced by several factors, including individual psychological factors such as threat appraisal and interpretation, which Selye's model largely overlooks.
The correct statements about GAS include that it is a three-stage model proposed by Hans Selye to describe the body's physiological reaction to stress, with the stages being alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. During the resistance stage, the body mobilizes various resources to cope with the ongoing stressor. However, the individual variability and the role of psychological factors mean that the response to stress can differ from person to person.