Selye and those who would build upon his work started stressing humans and observed the same phenomenon that they saw in rats. But they also noticed something else. Over time, humans and rats alike seemed to adapt to each unique stressor, building up increased resistance. Certain stressors could even produce desirable effects, strengthening the specific part of the body that was under duress. They learned that stress isn’t just harmful; it can also serve as a stimulus for growth and adaptation.
