Final answer:
The general adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a three-stage model developed by Hans Selye to describe the physiological stress response, consisting of the alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a model of the stress experience outlined by Hans Selye consisting of three stages: (1) alarm reaction, (2) resistance, and (3) exhaustion. The alarm reaction is the body’s immediate response to a threat, similar to the fight-or-flight response, involving a cascade of physiological reactions, including the release of hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine to manage the situation. The resistance stage is when the body attempts to adjust to the stressor, stabilizing and attempting to regain homeostasis. Finally, the exhaustion stage occurs after prolonged stress, where the body's resources are depleted, leading to potential health implications like increased susceptibility to illness or cardiovascular problems.