From Attachment to Social Signalling: a Biopsychosocial Review of Human Crying

Author(s)	Ms. J Hemarajarajeswari J
Country	India
Abstract	Crying is a complex human emotional behavior serving adaptive, regulatory, and communicative functions across the lifespan. This review conceptualizes crying as a biopsychosocial phenomenon integrating evolutionary, developmental, neurobiological, personality, social, and clinical perspectives. It distinguishes reflex, infant, and adult emotional crying and outlines neural mechanisms involving limbic–hypothalamic–brainstem pathways. Experimental findings on observer responses demonstrate that visible tears shape perceptions of vulnerability, warmth, and competence. The review examines gender differences, media influences on emotional norms, and the role of personality traits and emotion regulation processes in crying behavior. Social evaluations in professional contexts are considered alongside conditions under which crying may be perceived as weakness. Finally, maladaptive crying is discussed in relation to psychopathology and neurological dysfunction.
Keywords	Crying, Social perception, Gender Differences, Neurobiology, Personality Psychology, Psychopathology and Media Influence
Field	Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-25

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