In Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, which of the following takes place during the resistance stage?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → The parasympathetic nervous system calls for more cautious use of the body's resources.
Option (1) The parasympathetic nervous system calls for more cautious use of the body's resources. — Correct. The resistance stage begins when stress is prolonged. Here the parasympathetic nervous system calls for more cautious use of the body's resources, while the organism tries to cope with the threat, as through confrontation.
Option (2) A stressor activates the adrenal-pituitary-cortex system and readies the person for fight or flight. — Incorrect. This is the alarm reaction stage, the first stage of GAS. The stressor activates the adrenal-pituitary-cortex system, and the hormones released make the person ready for fight or flight.
Option (3) Continued exposure to the stressor drains the body's resources and makes disease more likely. — Incorrect. This is the exhaustion stage, the third stage. Continued exposure to the same or new stressors drains the body, and diseases such as high blood pressure become more likely.
Option (4) The physiological systems used in the alarm reaction and resistance become ineffective. — Incorrect. This also describes the exhaustion stage. In the resistance stage these systems still work and are used with care; they become ineffective only later, when the body is drained.
Note: GAS runs in three stages: alarm reaction, then resistance, then exhaustion.
NCERT (2026-27): “General Adaptation Syndrome … “2. Resistance stage : If stress is prolonged, the resistance stage begins. The parasympathetic nervous system calls for more cautious use of the body’s resources. The organism makes efforts to cope with the threat, as through confrontation.” |