Hans Selye

Hans Selye was a pioneering endocrinologist known for introducing the concept of "stress" in biological and medical contexts. He discovered that the body responds to challenges—such as illness, injury, or psychological pressure—through a common set of physiological reactions called the "General Adaptation Syndrome." This process involves stages of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, helping the body cope initially but potentially leading to health problems if stress is prolonged. Selye's work highlighted how both physical and emotional stress can impact health, influencing fields like medicine, psychology, and stress management today.