Which theory is named General Adaptation Syndrome?

The theory referred to as General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) was developed by Hans Selye. Selye introduced this concept to describe the physiological changes the body undergoes in response to stress. General Adaptation Syndrome outlines three stages of the stress response: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

During the alarm stage, the body reacts to a stressor by initiating a fight-or-flight response, activating the sympathetic nervous system and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. In the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stressful situation, trying to restore homeostasis while maintaining a heightened state of alertness. If the stressor persists and the body remains in this state for too long, it eventually reaches the exhaustion stage, which can lead to burnout or illness.

Selye's research laid the foundation for understanding how chronic stress can impact health and well-being, making his theory integral to the fields of psychology, medicine, and stress management. Therefore, recognizing Hans Selye as the originator of General Adaptation Syndrome is critical for understanding the dynamic nature of stress response.