Why do we cry when we watch movies? Is it a sign of an emotional weakness or an indication of strength? Is it a sign of emotional intelligence?
Good movies are carefully crafted to engage us and be engaging. They "transport" us into the world of their characters: to see as they see, to feel as they feel, and even to fully identify with a character in some cases. We know movies are not real, but we are so engrossed that we react emotionally as if they were.
Neuroscientist Paul Zak has studied the effects of fiction and has shown that watching movies can trigger the release of oxytocin, known as the "happiness hormone". Crying in movies is a sign that oxytocin is caused by the connections you feel when you watch the movie.
Empathy is a key factor of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and regulate your own emotions and to understand and manage the emotions of others. High emotional intelligence is associated with effective leadership, professional success and academic achievement, as well as better social and intimate relationships. It is related to psychological and physical health and well-being and greater emotional intelligence helps to cope with stress and conflict.
Crying in a movie reveals high sensitivity, social awareness and connection - all aspects of emotional intelligence. As such, it is an indicator of personal strength rather than weakness. Crying is not a sign of weakness.
