Disadvantages Of General Adaptation

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General adaptation syndrome is a universal biological response or reaction to stress, termed by Hans Selye in 1936. The syndrome is divided into three phases: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Stress suppresses the immune system when the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis’s cortisol levels are high for an extended length of time. When the immune system becomes suppressed due to these high levels of prolonged stress, our bodies become significantly more at risk for diseases such as the common cold, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis.

Using defense mechanisms as a way of emotion-focused coping has advantages like being able to change reality to help ease stress that cannot be avoided. Sometimes defense mechanisms can get someone through a stressful time until they are able to use problem-focused coping. For example, a sudden pop quiz on a topic you didn’t study for is sprung on you in Spanish class and you are able to you defense mechanisms to calm yourself and therefore focus better on the quiz. On the other hand, defense mechanisms also have disadvantages, such as not being able to see clearly and distorting reality too much. This can lead to failure of making goals, procrastination, and the habit of creating excuses for not making progress on goals. …show more content…

Someone with a strong sense of commitment are able to be purposeful and persistent when it comes to problem solving and focused goals, which makes problem-focused forms of coping easier. The characteristic of control can help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body as someone with the attitude feel and believe to be more in control of their lives and therefore more likely to take care of their stress. Lastly, challenge allows someone with the hardy personality to see change as a chance and challenge; a positive experience that can lead to

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