Who originated the stress theory and research?

Who originated the stress theory and research?

• A. Holmes and Rahe
• B. Selye
• C. Lazarus
• D. Pearlin

Answer: (B)

Hans Selye originated formal stress theory and research. He introduced the general adaptation syndrome, describing a non-specific physiological response to a wide range of stressors that the body mobilizes in a consistent pattern: alarm, resistance, and eventually exhaustion if the stress is prolonged. This idea established stress as a biological process with predictable stages, helping clinicians recognize when the body's stress response is activated and guiding interventions to minimize long-term damage. Other researchers built on the concept in different ways—Holmes and Rahe developed a life-events approach to illness risk, Lazarus and Folkman emphasized cognitive appraisal and coping, and Pearlin explored stress processes in caregiving. But the foundational origin lies with Selye and his GAS framework.

Hans Selye originated formal stress theory and research. He introduced the general adaptation syndrome, describing a non-specific physiological response to a wide range of stressors that the body mobilizes in a consistent pattern: alarm, resistance, and eventually exhaustion if the stress is prolonged. This idea established stress as a biological process with predictable stages, helping clinicians recognize when the body's stress response is activated and guiding interventions to minimize long-term damage. Other researchers built on the concept in different ways—Holmes and Rahe developed a life-events approach to illness risk, Lazarus and Folkman emphasized cognitive appraisal and coping, and Pearlin explored stress processes in caregiving. But the foundational origin lies with Selye and his GAS framework.