Final answer:
According to Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome theory of stress, the body experiences three stages: Alarm reaction, Stage of resistance, and Stage of exhaustion, which depict the physiological reactions to stress over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the general adaptation syndrome theory of stress, coined by Hans Selye, the body goes through three stages in response to the demands of stress. These are:
- Alarm reaction: This is the initial shock upon facing a stressor, activating the body's fight-or-flight response, mediated by hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine.
- Stage of resistance: If exposure to the stressor continues, the body adapts, the shock of alarm reaction wears off, but the body remains on high alert and prepared to respond, though with less intensity.
- Stage of exhaustion: With prolonged stress, the body's resources are depleted, laying the groundwork for potential health problems and even disease.
This model is a biological explanation of stress, focusing on the body's physical responses and does not take into account the psychological aspects of stress. The correct answer to the student's question is a) Alarm, Resistance, Recovery, though it should be noted that 'Recovery' is more accurately termed 'Exhaustion' in Selye's model.