Which term is defined as the body's three-stage response to stress, including alarm, resistance, and exhaustion?

Which term is defined as the body's three-stage response to stress, including alarm, resistance, and exhaustion?

• A. General adaptation syndrome
• B. Postexposure management
• C. Transmission
• D. PPE

Answer: (A)

The body’s response to stress unfolds in three stages, a pattern known as the general adaptation syndrome. In the alarm stage, a threat triggers the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and preparing the body for a fight-or-flight reaction. If the stress persists, the resistance stage kicks in, with sustained hormonal activity (like cortisol) and physiological adaptations aimed at coping and maintaining function. When stress continues for too long and resources are depleted, the exhaustion stage occurs, reducing the body's ability to resist illness or cope effectively and potentially leading to burnout or illness. This framework is helpful in workplace safety and wellness because it explains why ongoing stress erodes performance and safety over time and points to interventions such as stress management, adequate rest, and organizational support. Other terms describe different concepts: postexposure management deals with steps after a hazard exposure; transmission refers to how a disease spreads; PPE refers to equipment used to reduce exposure. None of these describe the body's staged hormonal and physiological response to stress.

The body’s response to stress unfolds in three stages, a pattern known as the general adaptation syndrome. In the alarm stage, a threat triggers the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and preparing the body for a fight-or-flight reaction. If the stress persists, the resistance stage kicks in, with sustained hormonal activity (like cortisol) and physiological adaptations aimed at coping and maintaining function. When stress continues for too long and resources are depleted, the exhaustion stage occurs, reducing the body's ability to resist illness or cope effectively and potentially leading to burnout or illness. This framework is helpful in workplace safety and wellness because it explains why ongoing stress erodes performance and safety over time and points to interventions such as stress management, adequate rest, and organizational support. Other terms describe different concepts: postexposure management deals with steps after a hazard exposure; transmission refers to how a disease spreads; PPE refers to equipment used to reduce exposure. None of these describe the body's staged hormonal and physiological response to stress.