Which statement correctly identifies the stage in GAS where the body develops resistance to stress?

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

Answer: (B)

During the General Adaptation Syndrome, the body enters a period of adaptation after the initial alarm reaction. This resistance stage is when the body develops increased tolerance to the ongoing stress by maintaining heightened readiness and continuing hormonal and metabolic adjustments to cope with the stressor. The goal is to preserve function and return toward baseline despite the continuing challenge. If the stress persists, resources can become depleted, leading to the exhaustion stage. There isn’t a separate formal “recovery stage” in the classic model—recovery is what happens as the body returns to balance after adaptation or exhaustion.