Which GAS stage is associated with the breakdown of resources and reduced performance if stress continues?

Which GAS stage is associated with the breakdown of resources and reduced performance if stress continues?

• A. Alarm Stage
• B. Resistance Stage
• C. Exhaustion Stage
• D. Recovery Stage

Answer: (C)

Sustained stress leading to a decline in performance signals the exhaustion stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome. After the initial alarm reaction that mobilizes energy, the body enters a period of resistance to cope with ongoing demands. If stress continues, those adaptive resources become depleted, and performance drops, with fatigue and greater vulnerability to illness or burnout. This stage represents the point at which continued stress overwhelms the body's ability to cope.

Sustained stress leading to a decline in performance signals the exhaustion stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome. After the initial alarm reaction that mobilizes energy, the body enters a period of resistance to cope with ongoing demands. If stress continues, those adaptive resources become depleted, and performance drops, with fatigue and greater vulnerability to illness or burnout. This stage represents the point at which continued stress overwhelms the body's ability to cope.