Final answer:
The second stage of an emotional response after a traumatic event is the stage of resistance, which is the phase where the body adapts to the stressor while maintaining a state of alertness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second stage of an emotional response after a traumatic event is known as the stage of resistance. This stage is part of the generalized adaptation syndrome (GAS), which includes three stages: alarm reaction, stage of resistance, and stage of exhaustion. After the initial shock of the alarm reaction, if the stressor continues, the body enters the stage of resistance. During this stage, the body's immediate response has subsided, and it adapts to the stressor. While the physiological reactions diminish, the body remains on alert.
The stage of resistance is exemplified in situations where the stress continues over time. For instance, if a child is still missing after several days, the parents' physiological stress reactions will have decreased, showing adaptation. Similarly, physiological adaptations can occur such as increasing nutrient absorption in the case of starvation.