About this episode

India Rakusen explores the science and psychology of crying and its impact on human emotions and social connections.

India Rakusen examines why humans cry, what tears mean and why we might want to question our ability to read the mind in the face. Taking a look at the science and psychology behind crying, from infancy through adulthood, and how tears connect to empathy and emotional development, experts explain how crying signals helplessness, invites support, and shapes social bonds. The programme also explores how culture, gender, and upbringing influence how we express and understand emotions. Presented by India Rakusen. Producer: Ellie Sans Assistant Producer: Charlotte Evans-Young Executive producer: Alex Hollands Commissioning Exec: Paula McDonnell Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon and Eska Mtungwazi Sound Design by Charlie Brandon-King A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Host: India Rakusen

Topics covered

• crying
• empathy
• emotional development
• psychology
• culture
• gender
• social bonds

Keywords

• crying
• tears
• empathy
• emotional development
• psychology
• culture
• gender

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, The Big Moon, Eska Mtungwazi, Goldhawk

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