Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome is characterized by the body's attempt to resist the initial stressor?

Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome is characterized by the body's attempt to resist the initial stressor?

• A. Alarm stage
• B. Resistance stage
• C. Exhaustion stage
• D. Recovery stage

Answer: (B)

When a stressor first appears, the body goes through an initial alert and mobilizes resources in the alarm reaction. The stage in which the body works to cope with that ongoing demand is the resistance stage. In this phase, the body tries to sustain adaptation by continuing to release stress hormones and maintain heightened physiological readiness to counter the stressor. The goal is to restore balance and protect tissues while the stress persists, using energy and resources to cope. If the organism can adapt, function stabilizes again and the stress is managed; if stress continues and resources become depleted, the system may slip into exhaustion.

When a stressor first appears, the body goes through an initial alert and mobilizes resources in the alarm reaction. The stage in which the body works to cope with that ongoing demand is the resistance stage. In this phase, the body tries to sustain adaptation by continuing to release stress hormones and maintain heightened physiological readiness to counter the stressor. The goal is to restore balance and protect tissues while the stress persists, using energy and resources to cope. If the organism can adapt, function stabilizes again and the stress is managed; if stress continues and resources become depleted, the system may slip into exhaustion.