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Chapter 14: Problem 22

Provide an example of a stressful situation that may cause a person to become seriously ill. How would Selye's general adaptation syndrome explain this occurrence?

Short Answer

Expert verified
In the instance of losing a job, Selye's general adaptation syndrome would explain this occurrence with the three stages: Alarm reaction (initial panic and hustle to find a new job), Resistance (attempts to adapt to the situation), and finally Exhaustion, where sustained stress can potentially lead to serious health issues if the person's situation doesn't improve.

Step by step solution

01

Identify A Stressful Situation

An example of a stressful situation that could lead to serious illness is a person losing their job and not being able to find another one for an extended period. This situation could lead to financial instability, anxiety and depression, which could have severe health consequences if not addressed.
02

Relate the Situation to Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome

According to Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, the stress reaction occurs in three stages: Alarm Reaction, Resistance, and Exhaustion. In the alarm reaction stage, the person would first recognize the stressor and their body would respond by preparing for a 'fight or flight' reaction. When the individual loses their job, they may feel a burst of adrenaline: their heart rate may increase and they may feel a sense of panic or urgency. This is the body's initial response to the stressor.
03

Identify Stage of Resistance

In the resistance stage, the person would either adapt to the stressor or continue to resist it. In this case, the person may start implementing measures to economize resources or actively look for new job opportunities, doing their best to adapt to the job loss and maintain normality.
04

Describe Stage of Exhaustion

The exhaustion stage occurs if the stressor continues for a prolonged period. Our jobless individual may become desolate and depressed if they fail to find a new job over time. Financial woes may build up, leading to chronic stress. At this stage, the person's ability to deal with the stress can reach its limit and serious health issues such as chronic fatigue, depression, or heart disease may surface.

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