19.

Explain stress according to General Adaption Syndrome (GAS) model, giving examples from everyday life. Describe any one strategy for coping with stress.

Hans Selye noticed a pattern of bodily response in response to stressors. He called this pattern the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). According to him, GAS involves three stages.
1. Alarm reaction
2. Resistance
3. Exhaustion

• Stress is not a factor that is present in the individual or environment. It is a dynamic mental state and a distruption in homeostasis.
• The perception of stress depends on the individual's cognitive appraisal.
• Primary appraisal is the perception of a changing environment as negative netural or positive in its implications.
• Secondary appraisal is the assessment of an individual's coping abilities and resources to meet a stressful situation
• A stressor can be controllable and the degree of self-confidence determines whether a person takes stress as a challenge or threat.

Coping strategies by Endler & Parker
(i) Task-oriented strategy
(ii) Emotional oriented strategy

Task-oriented strategy: It includes seeking information about the stressful condition and alternative course of action if any, it also involves prioritising and dealing directly with a stressful situation. For example, preparing a timetable for performing a different task.

Emotion-oriented strategy: This is efforts to maintain hope and to control one's emotions. It also involves finding a safety value for one's feelings of anger and frustration.