(100 points) 1. Everyone experiences stress, though some deal with it more effectively than others. Explain general
adaptation syndrome and its phases. Discuss how catastrophes, significant life changes, and daily
hassles may affect the phases. How can coping skills mediate the impact of each?

General adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a theory that describes the physiological changes the body experiences when under stress. The syndrome includes three stages: the alarm stage, the resistance stage, and the exhaustion stage. The alarm stage has the overall effect of generating emergency energy to overcome stressors. The more stressors there are, the more resources the body must expend in response. The alarm response in the face of both mild and severe stressors involves an activation of some version of the fight or flight syndrome. If the stressor continues, the alarm stage fades away and the body slows the drain on biological resources and enters this stage in order to resist the stressor on a long-term basis. It is the stage after the resistance stage in which the body declines in its ability to fight the stressor after using up its reserves of adaptive energy. In this stage, adrenaline and cortisol in continuing to fight the stressor, circulate around the body at high levels, producing signs of physiological damage to organs in the body as well as suppression of the body's immune system. Cognitive appraisal, predictability and control, coping resources and coping methods, social support, stress and personality. The impact of stressors can be reduced through effective coping methods and strategies. There are two types of coping methods, these include problem-focused and emotion focused coping methods. Catastrophes / significant life changes are sudden, unexpected and potentially life-threatening experiences or traumas. Examples of some of the catastrophic events are things such as physical or sexual assault, military combat, natural disasters and terrorist attacks amongst many others.

Explanation:

accelerated heartbeat, raise in blood pressure, slow in digestion, raise in blood sugar and perspiration. (myers' psychology for ap 2nd edition pg 87)