You are arguing with someone and trying to explain why you are angry. But before you even finish your sentence, your eyes water, your throat tightens, and your voice begins to tremble. Still, you didn’t want to cry.
A synthesis of several research studies on emotional tears shows that conflicts, criticism, rejection and even small everyday failures are among the main triggers. Behind the tears is often a feeling of helplessness, associated with anger, fear, disappointment or sadness.
Why do you cry more easily than others?
Several factors come into play. A study carried out on nearly 5,000 people establishes links with empathy, age, gender and even the type of attachment. People who strongly feel the emotions of others would therefore be more likely to cry. Women also report crying more easily than men.
How we manage our emotions also matters. Two studies of more than 1,400 people show that those who fear rejection more in their relationships tend to cry more often when faced with negative emotions. Conversely, people who avoid emotional closeness generally cry less.
Does culture play a role?
Yes. A study carried out in 37 countries shows that the frequency of crying varies according to cultures. In particular, people in richer, more democratic and individualistic societies report crying more. According to the researchers, this could mainly be explained by a greater acceptance of the expression of emotions.
Can crying do you good?
Tears aren’t necessarily a bad thing. In a study of 197 female students, people who cried had more stable breathing and their heart rate returned to its initial level.
Crying also has a social function: tears make it easier for others to recognize sadness and signal a need for support. Other research suggests that seeing someone cry can reinforce our desire to help them.
