Selyes' general adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a theory of adaption to biologic stress. Selye compared the GAS with the life process: childhood, adulthood, and later years. What would occur during "adulthood" in the GAS?

Question

A) Stressful events occur and resistance or adaption occurs.
B) Successful avoidance of stressful life events leaves the body vulnerable.
C) The accumulation of life's stressors causes resistance to fall.
D) Vulnerability leads to eventual death.

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
Selye compared the general adaptation syndrome with the life process. During childhood, too few encounters with stress occur to promote the development of adaptive functioning, and children are vulnerable. During adulthood, a number of stressful events occur, and people develop resistance or adaptation. During the later years, the accumulation of life's stressors and wear and tear on the organism again decrease people's ability to adapt, so resistance falls, and, eventually, death occurs. Based on this comparison, options B, C, and D are incorrect.