Related Experiment Videos
The psychophysiology of crying
J J Gross1, B L Frederickson, R W Levenson
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley.
Psychophysiology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Sadness-induced crying is linked to an aversive, high-arousal state, involving increased emotional distress and physiological activation. This suggests crying may motivate behaviors to end the tears, rather than solely aid recovery.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Two theories exist on why people cry when sad: one suggests it aids homeostasis and recovery, while another posits it creates an aversive state motivating tear cessation.
- Understanding the physiological and emotional correlates of crying is crucial for clarifying its function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological and emotional characteristics associated with spontaneous crying during sadness.
- To differentiate between the homeostatic and aversive state hypotheses of crying.
Main Methods:
- 150 women watched a sadness-eliciting film.
- Participants were monitored for spontaneous crying, expressive behavior, and self-reported emotional states (sadness, pain).
- Somatic and autonomic nervous system activity were measured.
Main Results:
- 33 women cried spontaneously; 117 did not.
- Crying individuals exhibited more expressive behavior and reported higher levels of sadness and pain.
- Crying was associated with increased somatic and autonomic nervous system activity, with autonomic changes not fully explained by somatic activity.
Conclusions:
- Crying during sadness is linked to an aversive state characterized by negative emotion and mixed physiological activation (sympathetic, parasympathetic, somatic).
- Findings support the hypothesis that crying may motivate behaviors to end the tears.
- Further research is needed to explore the functional implications of these complex physiological responses.