AP Psychology 5.1.C: Reactions to Stress
Explore AP Psychology 5.1.C questions on general adaptation syndrome, alarm and resistance, exhaustion, fight-or-flight responses, and stress reactions.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Psychology
Explore AP Psychology 5.1.C questions on general adaptation syndrome, alarm and resistance, exhaustion, fight-or-flight responses, and stress reactions.
A survey was conducted to determine the state of the physical and psychological health of high school students.
Part A
Some of the survey questions related to student stress levels and student absences due to illness. The data on
these variables are displayed below.

- What is the most appropriate conclusion that can be drawn based on the figure above?
- Explain how the data depicted in the graph are consistent with the exhaustion stage of the general
adaptation syndrome.
experiment. Explain one reason that an institutional review board (IRB) might not approve this new
study.
Explain how the data depicted in the graph are consistent with the exhaustion stage of the general
- Score: "It is harmful to induce stress in the participants."
- Do NOT score references to harm without specific mention of stress, absences, or illness.
Note: Manipulation of stress, absences, or illness can be described with synonyms such as influence, cause,
induce.
Part B
The response to Points 4-5 must indicate that the concept facilitates/increases risky behaviors.
The response does not have to relate to the original survey, as the directions in Part B do not say anything about
risky "health" behaviors, only risky behavior in general.