Crying That Heals

Abstract

Although much has been written about the healing power of tears, the research into this phenomenon has been fragmented, uncoordinated, and inconclusive. Nonetheless, a substantial amount of the literature across multiple disciplines has addressed the subject, both directly and indirectly. In this article, the authors submit crying that heals (CTH) as a concept of possible significance to health care and evaluate CTH using the criteria for concept evaluation proposed by Morse, Mitcham, Hupcey, and Tasón (1996). Using these criteria, CTH is tentatively defined, and its characteristics, boundaries, preconditions, and outcomes are proposed and examined in the context of this definition. Suggestions for additional analysis and research are offered, and the potential importance of CTH to health care professions, especially nursing, is discussed.

Crying Therapy Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors: Development and Effects

“…In Lee's study [15], crying was used with cancer patients in a clinical setting for the first time in South Korea, and the findings demonstrated an increased survival rate, a cathartic effect, and the effectiveness of crying as a natural therapeutic agent. Similarly, previous studies have reported that crying helps individuals adapt physically and emotionally to stressful situations [12,26], reinforces therapeutic relationships, and enhances the treatment process [21,26]. Currently, in the Netherlands, crying therapy is being used by psychologists for patients with terminal cancer, diseases causing severe pain, and mental health issues [21,27].…”

“…Additionally, crying promotes catharsis and emotional healing when used by the patient and family members for managing stress, improves mood by stimulating endorphin secretion, alleviates pain, and has positive effects on emotional well-being [20][21][22][23][24][25]. In Lee's study [15], crying was used with cancer patients in a clinical setting for the first time in South Korea, and the findings demonstrated an increased survival rate, a cathartic effect, and the effectiveness of crying as a natural therapeutic agent.…”

“…Similarly, previous studies have reported that crying helps individuals adapt physically and emotionally to stressful situations [12,26], reinforces therapeutic relationships, and enhances the treatment process [21,26]. Currently, in the Netherlands, crying therapy is being used by psychologists for patients with terminal cancer, diseases causing severe pain, and mental health issues [21,27]. However, experimental studies on the effects of crying therapy in nursing and medical research worldwide are scarce.…”

How to support patients who are crying in palliative home care: an interview study from the nurses’ perspective

“…Previous studies have shown that different types of crying constitute a force that creates a sense of emotional balance in cancer patients in palliative care (Rydé et al , 2007) and the same studies have shown that when relatives weep, it is a way of expressing their suffering as well as giving them renewed energy to move forward (Rydé et al , 2008). Others perceive crying as a model, ie, crying that heals, and it has even been developed into a holistic therapy that can be used by health professionals (Griffith et al , 2011). Crying has also been described as having a spiritual healing effect and it also may release toxic substances into the body that temporarily alleviate suffering (Fooladi, 2005).…”