Which of the following statements about general adaptation syndrome is TRUE?

a. "The fight-or-flight system works better in response to prolonged, repeated stressors than in response to temporary stressors."

b. "The more specific the stressor, the more unlikely adaptation will occur."

c. Long-term exposure to stress bolsters our immune system

d. "With prolonged exposure to stress, our bodies eventually wear out and break down."

Answer: C. Long-term exposure to stress bolsters our immune system.

Explanation:

General adaptation syndrome involves three (3) stages in which the body responds to stress, this can be described as the physiological changes the body goes through.

General adaptation syndrome stages:

1). Alarm adaptation stage: This describes the initial experiences the body undergoes when under stress. The fight-or-flight response is the natural reaction on the alarm stage that prepares you to flee, stay or protect yourself on certain situations.

2). Resistance stage: in this stage, the body begins to repair itself after the event of the fight or flight response by entering a recovery phase. The recovery phase is a situation whereby the stressors have been eliminated and the body begins resolve the stress.

However, some stressful situations could cause the body to not resolve the stress, this could lead the exhaustation stage.

3). Exhaustation stage: This stage is a result of a constant, prolonged or chronic exposure to stress. This could drain the individual physically, emotionally and mentally to the extent whereby the body can no longer fight the stress.

The effect of this stage could physically result in a weakened immune system which predisposes the individual to stress related illnesses e. g. Flu, irritability.