increases vulnerability = signals submission/social need for help

humans are social animals with tight + needy social relationships, only animals that cry with tears in response to emotional events

evolved as an attachment behaviour that unites infant + mother/caregiver + receiver

DARWIN: crying = purposeless phenomenon (contradicts basic tenets of theory of natural selection)

boys cry less frequently with age: social learning, male hormonal factors

students in romantic relationships: decreased serotonin in brain = affects crying threshold = cry more often than singles

lacrimal glands clear blood, remove stress hormones (toxins) produced during distress = relief

increased PNS activity = improved mood, stimulates relaxation + recovery; rhythmic sobbing/inhalation of cool air = improve mood

crying shows social trust + need for attachment = improves social cohesion + bonding

emotional tears = more proteins that affect viscosity; contain larger quantities of hormones; stays longer on the face -- prolonged visual cue for care

effectiveness to convey sadness greatest for adults; infant crying = annoying (paradox: irritation = intervention)

boys have more social pressure to inhibit tears (intrapsychic inhibitory phenomenon, internalized concept of manliness)

women more vulnerable to interpersonal traumas + emotional disturbances

release of superfluous emotional energy/relief of tension; failure to cry = detrimental to physical functioning (manifests as other physical ailments)