Hans Selye

Definition:

Hans Selye was a Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist, widely known for his expansive research on stress and its effects on human health.

Early Life:

Selye was born on January 26, 1907, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary (now Austria). He attended the German University of Prague, where he studied chemistry and obtained his doctorate in organic chemistry in 1929.

Stress Research:

Selye’s groundbreaking work in stress research began during his time at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he served as the Director of the Institute of Experimental Medicine and Surgery.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS):

His most notable contribution to stress research was the concept of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which describes the physiological response of organisms to stressors. According to GAS, the body goes through three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Stress and Disease:

Selye posited that prolonged exposure to stress could lead to various diseases and health issues. His research highlighted the importance of stress management and the effects of stress on overall well-being.

Legacy:

Hans Selye’s work laid the foundation for our understanding of stress and its impacts on human health. His theories are highly influential in the fields of psychology, biology, and medicine. Selye’s contributions continue to inspire further research in stress management and prevention.