Alarm reactions to a stressful event are characterized by a short-term what?

Alarm reactions to a stressful event are characterized by a short-term what?

• A. Physiological response
• B. Emotional response
• C. Behavioral response
• D. Cognitive appraisal

Answer: (A)

Alarm reactions trigger immediate physiological arousal as the body activates the sympathetic nervous system. This rapid bodily response—heart rate and respiration increase, muscles tense, pupils dilate, and adrenaline is released—prepares you to confront or escape the threat. These physiological changes are short-term, occurring quickly after the stressful event, which is why they define the alarm phase. Emotions, behaviors, and thoughts can accompany the experience, but the standout feature of this stage is the quick, bodily arousal that mobilizes resources for action.

Alarm reactions trigger immediate physiological arousal as the body activates the sympathetic nervous system. This rapid bodily response—heart rate and respiration increase, muscles tense, pupils dilate, and adrenaline is released—prepares you to confront or escape the threat. These physiological changes are short-term, occurring quickly after the stressful event, which is why they define the alarm phase. Emotions, behaviors, and thoughts can accompany the experience, but the standout feature of this stage is the quick, bodily arousal that mobilizes resources for action.