Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

What typically occurs during the 'exhaustion' stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

1. Heightened stress response

2. Improved immune function

3. Tissue damage and decreased immune system function

4. Increased clarity of thought

The correct answer is: Tissue damage and decreased immune system function

During the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome, the body has been exposed to prolonged stressors and has depleted its resources to cope with those stressors. This stage follows the alarm and resistance stages, where the body initially reacts to stress and attempts to adapt to it. As the stress continues without adequate recovery, the body's ability to maintain homeostasis becomes compromised. In this exhaustion stage, the prolonged activation of the stress response leads to significant physiological consequences, including tissue damage. The body's energy reserves become depleted, and its ability to respond to new stressors diminishes. Additionally, the immune system is affected detrimentally; the prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol can impair immune function, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This understanding of the exhaustion stage highlights why "tissue damage and decreased immune system function" accurately characterize this phase, marking a significant distinction from the responses noted in the other options, which reflect either temporary states of increased functioning or immunity that do not occur during prolonged stress exposure.