In Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome, which stage is characterized by ongoing adaptation after the initial alarm response?

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

Answer: (B)

After the body's initial alarm response to stress, it shifts into a phase aimed at maintaining adaptation and coping with the ongoing demand. This is the resistance stage. In this phase, the body sustains heightened arousal and mobilizes resources—hormonal and metabolic adjustments—so it can continue to function under the stress. If the stress continues for a long time and resources are strained, the system may move into exhaustion, where adaptive capacity is overwhelmed. The alarm stage is the immediate fight-or-flight response, and recovery would imply restoration after stress ends, but the standard sequence ends with exhaustion.