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At times, tears are expected, but other moments catch us by surprise, leaving us weeping without understanding why. It's a deeply personal experience, yet one that has scientific significance: What drives humans to weep? What role does it play? A recent article in the journal New Ideas in Psychology tackles these questions.
Carlo V. Bellieni, the article's author, is a pediatrician and bioethicist at Siena University Hospital in Italy. His previous research has centered on the emotional health of children, along with the pain and crying of babies. In his latest work, he reviewed over 70 studies and books, dating back to Charles Darwin, to explore the phenomenon of weeping.
His finding? Weeping is "a complex phenomenon."
To begin with, Bellieni points out that while weeping and crying are alike, they are not identical. Crying is usually a response to pain or anger. It's a vocal and physical reaction, accelerating the heart rate, impacting breathing, and distorting the face and body. A crying individual experiences a change in their voice and releases stress hormones like adrenaline. While humans shed tears, other animals cry as well.
Weeping, however, seems to be a distinctly human experience. It occurs when our emotions overflow. We cry when we injure ourselves, such as when we drop a heavy object on our foot. But we weep at significant moments like funerals and weddings.
Bellieni discovered that there are numerous theories regarding how we cry and weep, and the origin of the tears. Some researchers believe that tears help us return to the calming, fluid-like environment of the womb. Others suggest that our bodies produce tears (along with mucus) to keep our throat and nose moist as our breathing becomes more intense. Darwin speculated that tears are an unintended result of the facial scrunching, which activates the tear glands.
Bellieni dismisses all of these theories as not particularly convincing. Therefore, for now, the answer to the physical question remains: "We don't really know."
The emotional and social aspects of weeping, however, are somewhat clearer.
Weeping serves as a way of releasing deep emotions and easing physical tension. When we cry, we signal to our body that it is time to relax. This process allows us to reset emotionally and move forward.
Bellieni notes that witnessing someone else weep makes us inclined to offer support. Weeping compels others to lend a helping hand. Visible sadness fosters an opportunity to strengthen our social connections, and for social animals like us, stronger bonds increase the chances of survival.
Bellieni argues that weeping should not be regarded as a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is "a powerful behavior with positive effects on health and social interaction."
"Given these findings," he concludes, "weeping stands out as a fundamental and significant human behavior that warrants further attention."
