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Psychologists Say Crying in Arguments Is an Automatic Defense

Experts link tears to stress-driven autonomic and amygdala activity and offer simple breathing and pause techniques to lower arousal

Aunque en determinados contextos el llanto podría utilizarse de manera consciente para influir en los demás, los especialistas insisten en que la mayoría de las ocasiones se trata de una reacción involuntaria.
El llanto es la forma que tiene el organismo de liberar adrenalina acumulada. (Crédito: Imagen referencial creada por El Comercio MAG usando la IA de Gemini)
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Overview

  • Several Spanish-language outlets published explanatory pieces on Monday and Tuesday that reinforced the consensus that tears during arguments are involuntary and adaptive.
  • Psychologists describe a biological chain: intense stress activates the autonomic nervous system, releases cortisol and adrenaline, and the amygdala sends an emergency signal that can trigger crying.
  • Crying functions as a short-term regulator by letting off emotional pressure and helping the body recover equilibrium after emotional flooding.
  • Tears in a fight do not always mean sadness; experts say they can stem from frustration, anger, fear, or feeling unheard, and constant suppression of crying may increase stress.
  • Practical advice offered across the coverage includes diaphragmatic breathing, taking brief pauses from the discussion, redirecting attention, and practising assertive communication, while notes of caution stress that claims about personality traits and long-term effects rest mainly on clinical interpretation rather than new studies.