Humans are probably the only creature that cries for emotional reasons. But which ones are they? Psychologists from the Universities of Ulm and Sussex divide human tears into five categories: loneliness, powerlessness, overwhelm, harmony and media consumption.
This list is based on the idea that emotional tears always occur when basic psychological needs are either not met or are very intensely satisfied. The psychologists point out, for example, that loneliness is caused by an unfulfilled need for closeness – and can thus lead to tears. They also include tears from lovesickness or homesickness in this category. According to the researchers, tears of joy, on the other hand, occur after the need for harmony has been intensively satisfied – for example at a wedding. As an example of tears due to powerlessness, they cite reacting to a death notice.
Source: Nachrichten
