FOR those of us who weep uncontrollably as Shoeless Joe Jackson leads a team of ghostly baseball players out from rows of corn in the Field of Dreams, it's okay to cry.
University of Canberra Professor of Psychology, Debra Rickwood, suggests that rather that being a sign of weakness, those who sob their way through tearjerkers are actually displaying emotional strength.
Writing in The Conversation this morning, Rickwood noted the research has shown that compelling stories can cause the release of the hormone, oxytocin, enhancing emotional responses.
"Crying in response to a movie reveals high empathy, social awareness and connection -- all aspects of emotional intelligence," she said.
"As such, it is an indicator of personal strength rather than weakness.
"Sobbing openly may be a particular sign of strength, as it shows that a person is unafraid to display their emotional reaction to others."
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