Final answer:
The alarm stage of the general adaptation syndrome is associated with immediate physiological reactions, while the resistance stage occurs when exposure to a stressor is prolonged.
Step-by-step explanation:
1) Alarm stage: The alarm stage of the general adaptation syndrome is associated with immediate physiological reactions that occur when the body is faced with a threatening situation or emergency. It is analogous to the fight-or-flight response, and it prepares the body to manage the situation. For example, waking up in the middle of the night to discover one's house is on fire is an alarm reaction.
2) Resistance stage: The resistance stage occurs when exposure to a stressor is prolonged. During this stage, the body has adapted to the stressor but remains on alert and is prepared to respond with less intensity than during the alarm stage. An example would be the parents of a missing child still being disturbed but with diminished physiological reactions after 72 hours.