The resistance stage is the second phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) which is a model developed by Hans Selye to describe how the body responds to stress.
During the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the stressor that triggered the initial alarm response in the first stage of GAS. The body increases its resistance to the stressor and begins to cope with the demands of the situation. The body's stress response system continues to be activated, but the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol begin to level off.
Physiologically, during the resistance stage, the body continues to release cortisol and other stress hormones, which help to mobilize the body's energy resources and provide the body with the strength it needs to cope with the stressor. However, if the stressor persists, the body may eventually become exhausted and move into the third stage of GAS, the exhaustion stage, where the body's resources become depleted.
The resistance stage can be a useful stage for the body if the stressor is short-term and the body has enough resources to adapt and cope with the demands. However, if the stressor is prolonged or chronic, it can lead to negative health outcomes and can increase the risk of various physical and mental health problems.