Hans Selye’s definition of stress is considered a response-based definition because it conceptualizes stress chiefly in terms of the mental health of the individual best action to take in order to eliminate the stressor body’s baseline reaction to ordinary events body’s physiological reaction to any demand that is placed on it
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: body’s physiological reaction to any demand that is placed on it.
Explanation:
Hans Selye, a pioneering endocrinologist, is widely known for his work in the study of stress. His definition of stress is considered a response-based definition because it emphasizes the physiological reaction that the body undergoes in response to any demand, whether the demand is positive or negative.
Selye’s definition focuses on how the body reacts to external pressures or stimuli, known as “stressors.” He proposed that stress occurs when the body is subjected to such demands, leading to a physiological response, which involves the activation of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). The GAS describes three stages:
- Alarm reaction: The body detects a stressor and prepares to respond (similar to the “fight or flight” response).
- Resistance: The body attempts to adapt to the stressor by maintaining a heightened state of alertness.
- Exhaustion: If the stressor persists without sufficient recovery, the body may experience a depletion of resources, leading to burnout or illness.
Selye’s response-based definition of stress does not necessarily differentiate between good or bad stress. Instead, it emphasizes that stress is an unavoidable part of life and the way our bodies react to external demands. The focus is on the physiological changes—such as increased heart rate, hormone release, and muscle tension—that occur when a person faces any demand, be it an everyday task or a more significant challenge.
Thus, Selye’s model helps us understand stress as an essential bodily reaction to the pressures and demands placed on us, highlighting how these responses are vital for survival but can also be harmful if prolonged or excessive.
