Why do we cry? With Lauren Bylsma, PhD

This episode explores the psychology and neurobiology of crying, featuring an interview with Dr. Lauren Bylsma, a clinical psychologist specializing in this area. Against the backdrop of common myths surrounding tears, Dr. Bylsma differentiates between basal, reflexive, and emotional tears, highlighting that emotional tears are triggered by intense emotional experiences, positive or negative. More significantly, the discussion delves into the reasons behind variations in crying frequency across individuals, noting that women cry more often than men due to a combination of social and biological factors. For instance, cultural norms and hormonal differences are implicated. As the discussion pivoted to the therapeutic context, Dr. Bylsma emphasizes the importance of crying as a part of the therapeutic process, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. In contrast to laboratory settings where induced crying often leads to negative feelings, real-world crying, especially in supportive environments, is more frequently associated with improved emotional well-being. This suggests that the social context plays a crucial role in the emotional impact of crying.