IntroThis piece aims to consider the social, cultural and psychological implications of the effect of General Adjustment Syndrome on stress, as well as the various treatment options available. Scientist Hans Selye (1907 - 1982) introduced the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model in 1936 and it is one of the best-known biological theories of stress. The “syndrome provides a summary of the psychological changes that follow stress as the body attempts to return to homeostasis” (Olpin & Hesson, 2009). In his work, he “developed the theory that stress is a major cause of disease because chronic stress causes long-term chemical changes” within the body (Essence of Stress Relief, 2014). He noted that the condition likely represented a manifestation of a widespread “call to arms of the body's defensive forces in reaction to excessive demands” (Hill Rice, n.d.). He called the excessive demands and response of the body stress. He believed that our bodies must adapt in some way and that “there is a limited supply of adaptive energy to deal with stress” that diminishes with continued exposure (Essence of Stress Relief, 2014). He discovered that our reactions to stress always occur in three phases; alarm (fight or flight response), resistance (adaptation), and exhaustion. In the alarm phase, stressors are introduced and the body goes into its "fight or flight" response. Several systems, including the endocrine and nervous systems, are unwillingly “turned on” to prepare the body for action as soon as we see or hear something that stimulates us too much (e.g. threat and amusement). “Homeostasis is now disrupted because the mind perceives what we see, hear, or remember as dangerous” (Olpin & Hesson, 2009). Consequently, the response to stress is... center of the card...... towards life rather than seeking revenge for injuries or slights, acting towards others from altruistic rather than self-centered reasons, maintaining a capacity for wonder and delighting in the truly good and beautiful things in life, finding purpose for one's life and expressing one's individuality in achieving that purpose and, maintaining a healthy sense of modesty regarding one's goals or accomplishments” (Selye, The Stress of Life, 1956 ).Stress can take years off our lives by accelerating the aging process. Resistance is the watchword when it comes to illness. Stress is one of the most significant factors in reducing resistance and triggering the various mechanisms involved in the pathological process. “By learning relaxation and stress management techniques, you will improve your overall health and your chances of living a disease-free life” (Hill Rice, n.d..).