In the counter shock stage, adrenaline is released. However as we enter the resistance stage our body needs extra resources and energy to cope with the stressor, which is why cortisol is released in the resistance stage.
Yeah, I agree with you aswell, but I've also heard otherwise- that cortisol is also released in small amounts in countershock, but mainly adrenaline (and sympathetic NS- FFF), as it is a short-term response to stress. After, when the body reaches resistance stage, a more long-term way to deal with the stress is achieved through the release of cortisol alone, without adrenaline.
This kinda makes sense because for example in the exam, our heart rate and breathing rate is not increased and were not sweating rapidly for the whole 2 hours and 45 minutes, but to keep us energised and going for a longer amount of time, cortisol is released.
Now I'm getting confused as to what I should be saying?!