According to the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), what is the primary goal of the body's response to stress?

The primary goal of the body's response to stress, as outlined in the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), is to maintain homeostasis. This concept, introduced by Hans Selye, describes the body’s alarm response to stressors followed by resistance and eventual exhaustion if the stressor persists. During the initial alarm phase, the body reacts by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares it to face the threat. The subsequent resistance phase involves the body adapting to the stressful challenge, working to achieve a new state of balance or homeostasis.

This process is vital for the functioning and survival of the organism, as it ensures that physiological systems operate efficiently despite internal and external stressors. The goal is not merely to cope with stress but to return to a stable state where all systems are balanced and functioning optimally.

The other options do not capture the essence of the GAS. While enhancing cognitive abilities and developing a higher tolerance for pain may occur as secondary effects, they are not the primary function of the stress response. Additionally, eliminating stress entirely is unrealistic and not a goal of the stress response, as stress is a natural part of life that cannot be completely avoided. Maintaining homeostasis therefore encapsulates the fundamental objective of the body's response to stress within the