Final answer:
The three stages of stress in the General Adaptation Syndrome are alarm reaction, stage of resistance, and stage of exhaustion. These stages reflect the body's physiological responses to short-term, sustained, and prolonged stress, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three predictable stages of stress in the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) principle, as introduced by Hans Selye, are (1) alarm reaction, (2) stage of resistance, and (3) stage of exhaustion. During the alarm reaction, the body experiences a fight-or-flight response, triggering a cascade of physiological reactions to manage the stressor. If the stressor persists, the body enters the stage of resistance, where the body adapts and tries to withstand the stress, though it remains on alert. In cases of prolonged stress exposure, the stage of exhaustion can occur, wherein the body's ability to resist is depleted, which may lead to severe fatigue, illnesses, and other long-term damage.