General Adaptation Syndrome
General Adaptation Syndrome
General Adaptation Syndrome
Resistance Stage
The resistance stage occurs after the reaction stage. During this stage, your body tries to thwart the
changes that occurred during the reaction stage employing the parasympathetic nervous system. It
typically occurs when whatever was triggering your stress has stopped.
If you remain stressed, the reaction stage will persist. In the resistance stage, your body begins to lower
your blood pressure and heart rate. It also reduces the amount of adrenaline and cortisol being produced.
Your body, however, remains on alert in this stage and can easily switch back to the reaction stage if the
stressor persists. At this stage, your body is simply trying to recover from the shock of the alarm reaction
stage.
**Example:** In a work environment with sustained pressure, an individual may experience the resistance
stage. The body strives to maintain balance, but prolonged stress may lead to exhaustion and potential
health issues.
Exhaustion Stage
Stress puts your body through a toll, and the exhaustion stage occurs after prolonged stress. You
experience this stage after your body has gone through an extended period of stress. Here, even if the
stressor persists, your body is too depleted to continue to combat it. This is the riskiest stage of general
adaptation syndrome, as you are most prone to developing health conditions here.
Example:
A caregiver consistently dealing with the demands of caring for a loved one without adequate support may
experience exhaustion. The prolonged strain can result in compromised immune function, increased
vulnerability to illnesses, and mental health challenges.
Resistance Stage
If there is persistent stress, in the resistance stage your body may exhibit the following:
Irritability
Poor concentration
Frustration
Exhaustion Stage
The exhaustion stage leaves your body feeling unequipped to ward off stress. You are susceptible to
developing stress-related conditions at this stage. Your body might exhibit the following symptoms:
Anxiety
Cognitive difficulties
Depression
Fatigue
Insomnia
Other Physiological Responses to Stress
1. **Hormonal Responses**
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," impacting various bodily
functions. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to disruptions in sleep, metabolism, and immune function.
2. **Cardiovascular Responses**
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Chronic stress
may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases over time.
3. **Immune System Impact**
Prolonged stress can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and
illnesses. Selye noted that "every stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after
a stressful situation by becoming a little older."
Identifying General Adaptation Syndrome
Hans Selye, a researcher, and scientist came up with the concept of general adaptation syndrome. He used
the term to define the physical changes the body goes through when it's stressed. He discovered this while
experimenting on lab rats.
In his study, he noticed that the rats went through specific psychological changes during the experiment
when exposed to physical stressors like extreme temperatures.3
However, many other things could also trigger stress and they include:
Losing a loved one
Getting fired from a job
Going through a breakup
Having a demanding job
Stress is responsible for general adaptation syndrome occurring. Although Hans Selye has only identified
physical stressors in his initial experiment, any type of stress could cause GAS to occur.
During the first stage of general adaptation syndrome, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This
mode is essential to protect yourself during a stressful or dangerous situation. You get a burst of energy
that helps you think more critically and help effectively tackle the stressful situation at hand.
Complications Associated With General Adaptation Syndrome
While general adaptation syndrome isn’t a condition that needs to be diagnosed or treated, it’s primarily a
description of what happens to your body under stress. Being in a stressful state for an extended period
can cause medical complications. You could develop a host of physical and medical conditions. Some of the
most common conditions that have been linked to experiencing prolonged levels of either physical or
mental stress include:4
Hypertension
Mood and anxiety disorders
Heart disease
Immune suppression
Example:
Imagine asking a colleague to review a brief document for feedback. Once they agree, you then follow up
with a larger request, such as asking for their assistance in a more time-consuming project. The compliance
with the small request establishes a sense of commitment, making it more difficult for the person to refuse
the larger request.
Quote:
"Can you quickly glance over this document and let me know if anything stands out? It'll just take a few
minutes of your time, and I really value your input."
Psychological Mechanism:
The principle of commitment and consistency plays a vital role. Once an individual agrees to
a small request, they are more likely to comply with a larger request to maintain internal
consistency.
Detailed Application:
1. Social Media Engagement:
Requesting a friend to like or share a small post and later asking them to support a more
significant social media campaign.
2. Volunteer Commitment:
Asking someone to volunteer for a brief event and then seeking their commitment for a
more extended volunteer role.
3. Workplace Collaboration:
Seeking input on a minor project first and later requesting collaboration on a more
substantial work assignment.
Example:
Suppose you ask a friend if they can lend you $500, fully expecting them to decline. After
the refusal, you then present the real request, asking for a much smaller amount, say $50.
The rejection of the initial request creates a sense of guilt or obligation, making the person
more likely to agree to the second, more reasonable request.
Quote:
"I know it's a big favor, but would you be able to lend me $500? No? I completely
understand. How about $50 then? It would really help me out."
Psychological Mechanism:
This technique leverages the principle of reciprocity and the contrast effect. The initial
refusal creates a sense of obligation, making the second request seem more reasonable in
comparison.
Detailed Application:
1. Fundraising Appeals:
Requesting a substantial donation first and then proposing a more moderate amount,
making the latter seem more acceptable.
2. Project Deadline Negotiation:
Suggesting an impractical and tight deadline initially, and then proposing a more realistic
timeline for a project.
3. Personal Favor Requests:
Asking for an extravagant favor, like borrowing a car for a week, and subsequently requesting
a more reasonable favor, such as a short ride.
Long-Term Relationships:
FITD: Ensure that the initial small requests contribute positively to the relationship to maintain long-
term collaboration.
DITF: Be cautious not to create frustration or resentment with the initial large request, preserving
the foundation for future cooperation.
Communication Transparency:
FITD: Clearly communicate the connection between the initial and subsequent requests to avoid
feelings of manipulation.
DITF: Acknowledge the initial request as ambitious and express flexibility in finding a more
reasonable solution.
Conclusion:
Mastering the foot-in-the-door and door-in-the-face techniques involves a nuanced understanding of
human psychology and effective application in various situations. Whether in professional negotiations,
personal favors, or social dynamics, these techniques can be potent tools when used judiciously and
ethically.
Understanding and applying the foot-in-the-door and door-in-the-face techniques can be powerful tools in
influencing behavior. Whether in personal or professional settings, these strategies leverage psychological
principles to enhance the chances of gaining compliance from others. However, it is crucial to use these
techniques ethically and responsibly, considering the impact on relationships and trust.