Which is the third stage of the GAS, characterized by weakened resistance?

• A. Exhaustion stage
• B. Alarm stage
• C. Resistance stage
• D. Stress

Answer: (A)

General Adaptation Syndrome progresses through three stages, and the one described as having weakened resistance is exhaustion. After the initial alarm reaction that activates the body's fight-or-flight response, the system enters a stage where it tries to cope and adapt to the stressor. If the stress keeps going, those coping resources get depleted, and energy reserves run low. In exhaustion, the body's defenses weaken, leading to fatigue and a higher risk of illness because the immune system isn’t functioning at full strength.

The alarm stage is the first, preparing the body to respond. The resistance stage is the ongoing effort to cope with the stress. The term “stress” itself isn’t a standalone stage in this model.