Which components are indicated by the mnemonic "EAR"?

• A. Excitement, Apathy, Restlessness
• B. Exhaustion, Alarm, Resistance
• C. Euphoria, Anxiety, Resistance
• D. Energy, Arousal, Relaxation

Answer: (B)

The mnemonic "EAR" refers to the components of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which outlines the body's response to stress as identified by Hans Selye. In this context, the components listed are Exhaustion, Alarm, and Resistance.

When a person is exposed to a stressor, the first phase is the Alarm reaction, where the body recognizes the stressor and mobilizes its resources to combat it, initiating a fight-or-flight response. Following this, if the stress continues, the body enters the Resistance phase, where it attempts to cope with the stressor and adapt to the ongoing challenge. If the stressor persists for too long and the body can no longer adapt, the exhaustion phase occurs, leading to burnout or stress-related health problems.

Understanding this progression is crucial in both psychological and physiological contexts, as it helps explain the body's responses to chronic stress and how it can lead to various health issues. This highlights the importance of recognizing stressors and effectively managing stress to prevent reaching the exhaustion stage.