Which stage of stress is characterized by the body's fight or flight response?

The stage of stress characterized by the body's fight or flight response is the alarm stage. During this initial phase, the body perceives a threat or stressor, triggering an immediate physiological reaction. This reaction is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and involves the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to deal with the perceived danger by increasing heart rate, enhancing blood flow to muscles, and providing a surge of energy, all of which are essential for responding effectively to a stressful situation.

The other stages, while relevant to the broader understanding of stress response, do not specifically encompass the immediate activation of the fight or flight response. The resistance stage follows the alarm stage, where the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stressor, but is not characterized by the immediate physiological responses associated with the fight or flight reaction. The exhaustion stage occurs after prolonged stress, where the body's resources are depleted, and recovery refers to the process of returning to a state of homeostasis after the stressor has been removed.