GAS:

Hans Selye s General Adaptation Syndrome has been widely held as a comprehensive model to explain the stress phenomenon. This stage model states that when an organism is confronted with a threat, the general physiological response occurs in three stages:

Alarm Reaction: Stage of Resistance: Stage of Exhaustion: ALARMING STAGE As you begin to experience a stressful event or perceive something to be stressful psychological changes occur in your body. This experience or perception disrupts your bodys normal balance and immediately your body begins to respond to the stressor(s) as effectively as possible. EXAMPLES l Cardiac - increased heart rate l Respiratory - increased respiration l Skin - decreased temperature l Hormonal - increased stimulation of adrenal genes which produce an adrenal rush. RESISTANCE STAGE During this stage your body tries to cope or adapt to the stressors by beginning a process of repairing any damage the stressor has caused. Your friends, family or co-workers may notice changes in you before you do so it is important to examine their feedback to make sure you do not reach overload. EXAMPLES l Behavior indicators include: lack of enthusiasm for family, school, work or life in general, withdrawal, change in eating habits, insomnia, hypersomnia, anger, fatigue. Cognitive Indicators include: poor problem solving, confusion, nightmares, hypervigilance. RESISTANCE STAGE MORE EXAMPLES Emotional indicators include: l tearfulness l fear l anxiety l panic l guilt l agitation l depression l overwhelmed. l

EXHAUSTION STAGE During this stage the stressor is not being managed effectively and the body and mind are not able to repair the damage. EXAMPLES Digestive disorders, withdrawal, headaches, tension, insomnia, loss of temper. Individual Stressors: Profile of Type A and Type B Personalities TYPE A Always moves, walks and eats rapidly. Feels important with the pace of things, hurries others, dislikes waiting. Does several things at once. Feels guilty when relaxing. Tries to schedule more and more in less time. Is obsessed with numbers. Is aggressive and competitive. Constantly feels under time pressure. TYPE B Is not concerned about time. Is patient. Does not brag. Play to fun , not to win. Relaxes without seeing guilty. Has no pressing deadlines. Is mild mannered. Is never in a hurry. Coping Strategies for Stress: Individual Coping Strategies: Exercise. Relaxation. Behavioral Self-control. Cognitive therapy. Networking.

Organizational Coping Strategies: Create a supportive organizational climate. Enrich the design of tasks. Reduce conflict and clarify organizational roles. Plan and develop career path and provide counseling.