Which stage of stress is characterized by sustained low-level stressors resulting in burnout?

The stage characterized by sustained low-level stressors leading to burnout is cumulative stress reaction. This phase occurs when an individual experiences prolonged exposure to stress without sufficient recovery time, resulting in a gradual decline in mental and physical health. During this stage, the body's response to stress becomes less effective, and the individual may start to feel overwhelmed, fatigued, and emotionally exhausted.

Cumulative stress can build up from various minor stressors over time, compounding their effects and ultimately leading to burnout. This condition reflects the ongoing toll that unchecked stress can take on someone, as it doesn't stem from a single event but rather from a series of stressors that accumulate.

The other stages, while important in understanding overall stress response, do not specifically relate to the same context of prolonged low-level stressors that culminate in burnout. The alarm reaction involves the initial response to a stressor, resistance represents the body's attempt to cope with stress, and exhaustion is typically linked to a more acute stress response rather than sustained low-level stress.