Crying: A Biopsychosocial Phenomenon
Year: 2009
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: This contribution describes the present state of research and theory concerning human crying.Different theories originating from various disciplines and perspectives are briefly summarized.In addition, we provide insight into the development of crying behaviour from early childhood to adulthood.We further pre-sent a comprehensive model of adult crying, which conceptualizes crying as a complex interaction of psychobiological, cognitive and social processes.The model differentiates between eliciting factors, which may be real events, memories or thoughts that trigger crying, from predisposing factors that influence ones vulnerability to cry.In addition, the model distinguishes between the possible effects of the act of crying itself on the individual and the indirect effects brought about by the reactions of the social environment, which may offer support or disapproval.Special attention is devoted to the explanation of gender differences in crying and whether crying improves mood and health.
Source: De Gruyter eBooks
Language: English
Topic: Emotions and Moral Behavior
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Johns Hopkins University
OpenAlex ID: W1564667487