Ranking 20 GEW emotions by their propensity to elicit crying.

What Makes Us Cry #

What is the purpose of emotional crying? #

The phenomenon of emotional crying, a uniquely human behavior, offers a multifaceted perspective when examined through the lenses of psychology, neurobiology, and evolutionary biology.

• Psychological Perspective: Crying serves as a powerful nonverbal communication tool, signaling distress, eliciting empathy, and fostering social bonding. From a psychological standpoint, it can be seen as a release mechanism for pent-up emotional tension, often leading to a cathartic effect. This emotional discharge may help in alleviating stress and can also assist in the processing of grief and trauma.

• Neurobiological Aspect: The act of crying triggers the release of various chemicals and hormones in the brain, including oxytocin and endogenous opioids. These chemicals can alleviate pain and promote a sense of well-being. The lacrimal system (involved in tear production) is closely linked to the limbic system of the brain, which is responsible for emotional processing. This connection suggests a direct neurobiological pathway through which emotional stimuli can lead to tear production.

• Evolutionary Biology Perspective: From an evolutionary standpoint, crying may have developed as a survival mechanism. In infants, crying is a crucial communication tool that alerts caregivers to their needs, which is vital for their survival. In adults, the display of vulnerability through crying can strengthen social bonds and community cohesion, which were essential for the survival of early human communities. The social aspect of crying, especially in group settings, can lead to shared experiences and empathetic understanding, reinforcing social ties.

• Cultural and Societal Influences: It’s important to note that the interpretation and acceptability of crying are heavily influenced by cultural norms and societal expectations. Different cultures have varied thresholds for what is considered an appropriate emotional response, including crying. This cultural lens shapes how crying is perceived and experienced by individuals within different societies.

In summary, crying in the emotional sense serves several purposes: it is a form of emotional expression and release, a communicative signal to others, a means of physiological relief and comfort, and an evolutionary tool for social bonding and survival. This complex behavior is deeply intertwined with human emotional, biological, and social functioning.

Let’s stay with the neurobiological aspect - please describe it in more detail. Also, it has been said that crying increases neuroplasticity - is this true? #

Diving deeper into the neurobiological aspect of emotional crying, we can explore the intricate interplay between the nervous system, endocrine system, and psychological responses. The process of crying, particularly emotional crying, is governed by a complex network of brain regions and biochemical responses.

• Neurological Pathways: The act of crying is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which operates largely outside of conscious control. Emotional stimuli are processed in the limbic system, particularly in structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus. These structures assess the emotional weight of stimuli and trigger a response. The hypothalamus, an integral part of the limbic system, plays a critical role in the regulation of tears. It is linked to the lacrimal glands (tear-producing glands) through neural pathways.

• Biochemical Responses: Emotional crying triggers the release of several substances in the brain. Among these are:

• Oxytocin: Often referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is associated with emotional bonding and trust. Its release during crying can promote a sense of calm and well-being.

• Endorphins: These are endogenous opioids that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. They can induce feelings of relief and tranquility following a crying episode.

• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Involved in stress response, ACTH levels have been found to increase during emotional stress and may be involved in tear production.

• Neuroplasticity and Crying: The assertion that crying increases neuroplasticity is intriguing. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. It is a fundamental process in learning and adaptation. Emotional experiences, including crying, can indeed influence neuroplasticity. The process of experiencing and processing emotions engages various neural pathways, potentially leading to the strengthening of these connections. The release of neurochemicals like oxytocin and endorphins during crying could also play a role in neuroplastic changes. However, the direct impact of crying on neuroplasticity is a nuanced area and might not be as straightforward as a causal relationship. The interplay of emotional experiences, biochemical responses, and neural adaptations is complex and varies greatly among individuals.

In summary, the neurobiological aspect of emotional crying involves neural pathways connecting the limbic system to the lacrimal glands, the release of various neurochemicals that modulate mood and stress responses, and potentially influences neuroplasticity. The relationship between crying and increased neuroplasticity is a subject of interest, but it requires further empirical investigation to fully understand its extent and mechanisms.

Could we rank the 20 GEW emotions by their propensity to elicit crying? #

The Geneva Emotion Wheel (GEW) is a tool used to categorize and visually represent a broad spectrum of emotions. Ranking these emotions by their propensity to trigger crying involves considering the intensity and nature of the emotions, as well as cultural and individual differences in emotional expression. However, it’s important to note that this ranking is not absolute and can vary significantly among individuals. Here’s a generalized ranking based on the likelihood of these emotions to elicit crying, starting with those most likely to cause tears:

1. Sadness: Often directly associated with crying due to feelings of loss, helplessness, or despair.
2. Despair: Intense hopelessness can trigger profound crying.
3. Grief: Associated with deep emotional pain, usually due to loss.
4. Disappointment: Can lead to crying, especially if the disappointment is severe or personal.
5. Regret/Remorse: These emotions might cause crying, reflecting on past actions or missed opportunities.
6. Guilt: Similar to regret, but with a stronger emphasis on self-blame.
7. Powerlessness: Feelings of being unable to change a situation might evoke tears.
8. Loneliness: Can lead to crying due to a deep sense of isolation.
9. Compassion/Pity: Witnessing or sharing in another’s suffering can induce crying.
10. Fear/Anxiety: In intense situations, these emotions might cause crying.
11. Anger/Frustration: Sometimes, intense anger or frustration can manifest in tears, especially if there’s a feeling of helplessness.
12. Overwhelmed/Overcome: A state of being overwhelmed, either by negative or positive stimuli, can lead to crying.
13. Relief: Sometimes, the release of tension can result in tears.
14. Happiness/Joy: Tears of joy are common in highly positive emotional states.
15. Pride: In some cases, intense pride, especially in relation to loved ones’ achievements, can cause tears.
16. Admiration: Deep admiration, particularly in emotionally charged situations, may lead to crying.
17. Interest/Surprise: These are less likely to cause crying but might in extreme or unexpected situations.
18. Amusement: Rarely associated with crying, except in cases of extreme laughter.
19. Irritation/Annoyance: Less likely to elicit tears compared to stronger emotions like anger.
20. Indifference/Boredom: Least likely to trigger crying, as they represent a lack of emotional engagement.

This ranking is a broad generalization and should be interpreted with the understanding that human emotional responses are highly individual and context-dependent. Factors such as personal temperament, cultural background, and the specific circumstances surrounding an emotional experience greatly influence whether and how one might cry in response to these emotions.