Alarm reaction is best described as which of the following?

• A. A Short-Term Physiological Response to a Stressful Event
• B. A Long-Term Adaptation to Stress
• C. A Cognitive Evaluation of the Threat
• D. A Gradual Shutdown of Bodily Functions

Answer: (A)

Alarm reaction is the immediate, short-term activation of the body's stress response when a stressor is first detected. It triggers the fight-or-flight physiology through rapid sympathetic nervous system arousal and hormone release, priming the body for quick action. This transient physiological response contrasts with longer-term processes like adaptation, and with cognitive appraisal or gradual shutdowns, which occur in different stages of stress.