General Adaptation Syndrome

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Date:

Stress response diagram showing the three stages of General Adaptation Syndrome

📚 Part 1: Understanding GAS Stages

1. What are the three stages of General Adaptation Syndrome in order?

Resistance, Alarm, Exhaustion

Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion

Exhaustion, Alarm, Resistance

Alarm, Exhaustion, Resistance

2. During which stage does your body release stress hormones like adrenaline?

Alarm Stage

Resistance Stage

Exhaustion Stage

All stages equally

3. Check ALL the physical symptoms that might occur during the Alarm Stage:

Increased heart rate

Sweating

Muscle tension

Feeling very tired and weak

Quick, shallow breathing

4. What happens to your body's energy during the Exhaustion Stage?

Energy levels stay high

Energy becomes depleted and very low

Energy increases dramatically

Energy levels return to normal

✏️ Part 2: Applying GAS Knowledge

5. Fill in the blanks: During the _____________ stage, your body tries to adapt and maintain _____________ while dealing with ongoing stress.

Word bank: resistance, alarm, exhaustion, homeostasis, adrenaline

6. Scenario: Maria has been studying for final exams for three weeks straight. She's sleeping poorly, feels constantly anxious, and is getting sick more often. Which GAS stage is Maria likely experiencing? Explain your answer.

7. Describe one healthy coping strategy that could help someone in each stage of GAS:

Alarm Stage: _________________________________________________

Resistance Stage: _____________________________________________

Exhaustion Stage: ____________________________________________

8. Why is it important to manage stress before reaching the Exhaustion Stage? Write 2-3 sentences.

🧠 Extension Challenge (Advanced)

9. Research Extension: How might chronic stress and repeated cycles through GAS affect other body systems like the immune system or cardiovascular system? Use the space below to write your findings or create a diagram.

10. Critical Thinking: Design a stress management plan for a student going through exam week. Consider all three GAS stages and explain how your plan would help maintain homeostasis.