Final answer:
A culturally expected response to a stressor does not always mean a mental illness. Stress is subjective and may be influenced by personal and cultural interpretations of events, and not all stress responses reflect an underlying mental illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
A culturally expected response to a stressor does not always indicate a mental illness. Factors like cultural context and individual appraisal of a situation play an essential role in how stress is experienced and managed. Hans Selye's response-based definition of stress shows that even positive events can elicit physiological stress responses. It is important to note that chronic stress has been linked to various health issues, such as heart disease and compromised immune function. However, the body's response to acute stress can be adaptive and necessary for survival by enhancing the innate immune system. Not all stress responses are indicative of an underlying mental illness; they can be normal reactions to the challenges of one's environment and everyday life. Culturally influenced response patterns, such as those observed among Mexican immigrant farmworkers, illustrate that stress can stem from factors like injustice, work conditions, and cultural transitions. These responses do not necessarily equate to mental illness but are human reactions to the pressures and demands placed upon individuals in specific societal contexts.