During the alarm stage of GAS, the body experiences what?

• A. Recovery and energy restoration.
• B. Prolonged resource depletion.
• C. Activation of the fight-or-flight response.
• D. Permanent resistance to stress.

Answer: (C)

The alarm stage is the body's immediate reaction to a stressor, focusing on rapid mobilization of energy and heightened alertness. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in, triggering the fight-or-flight response. Adrenaline (epinephrine) and other stress hormones surge, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, while the liver releases glucose to fuel quick action. This prepares the muscles and senses to either confront the threat or escape from it.

This stage is about arousal and rapid energy deployment, not recovery. Prolonged resource depletion describes what happens as the body tries to cope over a longer period (the resistance stage), and the idea of permanent resistance isn’t part of GAS. If stress continues and adaptation fails, the system may move toward exhaustion instead.