Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes "general adaptation syndrome"?

1. A fight or flight reaction to stress.

2. An ability to block out negative stimuli in the environment.

3. An ability to change even when the change is more painful than remaining the same.

4. A tendency to go along with the group.

The correct answer is: A fight or flight reaction to stress.

General adaptation syndrome is a concept developed by Hans Selye that describes the physiological and psychological response to stress that occurs in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. The first stage, alarm, is often compared to a fight or flight reaction, where the body becomes aware of a stressor and prepares to respond. This initial reaction involves immediate physiological changes — such as an increased heart rate and release of stress hormones — which help the individual react to the stressor. In this context, the choice that aligns most closely with the definition of general adaptation syndrome is the fight or flight reaction to stress. This refers specifically to the body's automatic response to perceived danger or challenge, making it an integral part of the overall understanding of how organisms react to stressors. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of general adaptation syndrome. The ability to block out negative stimuli relates more to coping mechanisms than to the overall physiological response described by Selye. The notion of changing despite pain touches on transformation and resilience but does not focus on the physiological stages or reactions to stress specifically. Lastly, the tendency to conform to group behavior addresses social dynamics rather than individual stress responses.