Tears are often thought of as mere drops of water that escape our eyes in response to various stimuli. However, tears are much more complex than meets the eye, pardon the pun. There are two primary types of tears: emotional tears and normal tears. While they may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes and are produced under different circumstances.
I was watching a series the other day, a forensic case, where the idea of this article came from, and that made me do some research. I never knew that the chemistry of a tear can be different based on the emotion experienced at that moment. So let’s discover together the difference between emotional tears and the normal ones from other causes. I was thinking that maybe I’m not the only nerd curious about such things.
Emotional Tears: The Window to the Soul
Emotional tears are perhaps the most familiar type of tears to many of us. They are shed in response to strong emotions such as sadness, joy, frustration, or even relief. These tears are deeply intertwined with our emotional experiences and are believed to serve several crucial functions.
Catharsis: Emotional tears are often associated with a sense of release or catharsis. Crying can provide a psychological outlet for pent-up emotions, allowing individuals to express and process their feelings.
Communication: Tears can serve as a nonverbal form of communication, conveying emotions and signaling vulnerability to others. They can foster empathy and social bonding, facilitating connection and understanding between individuals. It seems that this is the preferred way for my eyes, it is easier for me to communicate through looks than to say it in words, the eyes are for sure the window to the soul.
Stress Relief: Research suggests that crying may have stress-relieving effects. Shedding emotional tears has been associated with reductions in cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, suggesting that crying may help regulate emotional arousal.
Mood Regulation: Tears contain various chemicals, including stress hormones and endorphins, which can influence mood. The act of crying may help restore emotional equilibrium by flushing out these substances from the body.
Normal Tears: Lubrication and Protection
In contrast to emotional tears, normal tears serve primarily physiological functions related to eye health. These tears are produced continuously to lubricate the eyes, wash away debris, and protect against infections. Normal tears can be further categorized into three types:
Basal Tears: These tears are constantly present in the eyes, keeping the cornea moist and nourished. They help maintain clear vision and prevent the eyes from drying out.
Reflex Tears: Reflex tears are produced in response to irritants such as dust, smoke, or onions. They help flush out foreign particles and irritants, protecting the eyes from potential harm.
Tears of Emotional Expression: Interestingly, emotional tears also contain some of the same components as normal tears, such as water, electrolytes, and lysozyme (an enzyme that helps fight bacterial infections). However, they also contain additional substances, including stress hormones and endorphins, that are specific to emotional crying.
The Science Behind Tears
Numerous scientific studies have delved into the complexities of tears, shedding light on their composition and functions. For instance, a study published in the journal Emotion found that emotional tears contain higher levels of stress hormones compared to basal tears, suggesting a physiological basis for the emotional relief experienced after crying.
Furthermore, research conducted by Dr. William H. Frey II, a biochemist and tear expert, has revealed that emotional tears contain higher concentrations of manganese and prolactin, chemicals that are associated with stress and emotional arousal. These findings provide compelling evidence for the physiological differences between emotional tears and normal tears.
In summary, tears are not just simple droplets of water; they are complex fluids with multifaceted roles in human physiology and psychology. Emotional tears serve as a powerful expression of our innermost feelings, providing catharsis, communication, and stress relief. On the other hand, normal tears play a vital role in maintaining eye health, lubricating the eyes, and protecting against infections. While both types of tears share some common components, their distinct functions highlight the intricate interplay between our emotions and our physical well-being.
Sources:
- Vingerhoets, A. J. J. M., Bylsma, L. M., & Rottenberg, J. (2009). Crying: A Biopsychosocial Phenomenon. The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Mood Disorders, 693–706.
- Frey II, W. H. (1985). Crying: The Mystery of Tears. Winston Press.
- Hasson, O., & Tamir, M. (2018). Emotional tears as biological signals. Evolutionary Psychology, 16(4), 147470491881544.
- Leknes, S., & Tracey, I. (2008). A common neurobiology for pain and pleasure. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(4), 314–320.
- Grimaldi, S., Serpelloni, M., Di Nardo, F., Romani, G. L., & Casadio, M. (2014). Emotional tears as a medium of communication: Physiological, cognitive, and social aspects. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1–6.
- Photo sources: Pinterest
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