Which of the following describes the exhaustion stage in general adaptation syndrome?

The exhaustion stage in general adaptation syndrome is characterized by extended periods of fatigue and decreased performance. This stage occurs after prolonged exposure to stressors when the body's resources are depleted and cannot cope with the ongoing stress. During this phase, the body's ability to deal with stress diminishes, leading to potential physical and mental health issues.

When the body is under stress, it goes through three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. In the exhaustion stage, the initial reactions and adaptations implemented in the preceding stages are no longer effective. This can result in symptoms like fatigue, burnout, decreased performance in physical and mental tasks, and overall health decline.

The other options describe different stages or responses to stress. For example, peak performance improvement pertains to the resistance stage, where the body adapts to stress and can perform better under certain conditions. Increased motivation towards activities may also relate to this adaptation phase, as individuals may feel more driven to manage their stress effectively. The initial reaction to stress leading to adaptation refers to the alarm stage, where the body first responds to a stressor before adapting. Understanding these stages is crucial to managing stress effectively and promoting overall health.