Understanding Tears: The Science Behind Crying
Key highlights:
- Scientists suggest that the emotional tears we produce are far more intricate than previously understood by neuroscientists.
- There are three types of tears in humans
- As we age and grow emotionally aware, crying shifts from physical pain to emotional triggers.
According to a report by the New York Times, scientists have been studying the science of crying, and they suggest that the emotional tears we produce are far more intricate than previously understood by neuroscientists.
It is believed that no single area of the brain is solely responsible for emotions like sadness or anger. Scientists continue to investigate which parts of the brain are involved when we cry.
Types of Tears in Humans
Scientists believe there are three types of tears in humans.
Basal Tears: These keep the eyes moist and provide lubrication.
Reflex Tears: These are produced in response to external irritants, such as dust, to protect the eyes.
Emotional Tears: Unique to humans, these tears are shed in response to strong emotions like happiness, sadness, frustration, disappointment, or being overwhelmed.
Tears Across Species
While basal and reflex tears are common to all organisms with eyes, emotional tears are exclusive to humans.
Many animals scream in distress as a survival mechanism. As infants, mammals and birds rely on their parents and use body language to signal for help during crises.
When we cry, extra pressure on the eyes activates the tear glands, which can explain why tears sometimes flow when we laugh, hiccup, or vomit. A study found that half of the respondents felt better after crying. As we age and become more socially and emotionally attuned, the reasons for crying shift from physical pain to emotional experiences.
The most common reasons for crying when we start growing up are:
· Childhood tears: Crying often occurs when we miss our home during childhood.
· Adolescence heartbreak: Tears are common during adolescence due to heartbreaks.
· Loss of a loved one: Crying is triggered by the death of someone close to us.
· Empathetic tears: We may cry when someone significant to us suffers, as we empathize with their hardship.
· Scientific research: Scientists are studying empathetic tears by showing sad films and analyzing participants' reactions through scans.
· Emotional sadness: The most common reason for crying is emotional sadness.
· Helplessness and despair: A sense of powerlessness or hopelessness often leads to tears.
· Overwhelming emotions: Tears can also occur when overwhelmed by strong emotions like happiness, anxiety, or shock.
Research shows women cry more than men, partly due to societal pressures and gender expectations. Dr. Jonathan Rotenberg of Cornell University notes that while both boys and girls cry similarly as infants, societal norms teach boys to suppress tears as they grow.
Hormonal differences also contribute, with testosterone in males suppressing crying, while rising estrogen in females may increase it. However, more research is needed to fully understand this complex relationship.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.
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