<p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>The programme also explores how culture, gender, and upbringing influence how we express and understand emotions.</p><p>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</p><p>A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Child

BBC Radio 4

5. Sadness

DEC 10, 202528 MIN
Child

5. Sadness

DEC 10, 202528 MIN

Description

<p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>The programme also explores how culture, gender, and upbringing influence how we express and understand emotions.</p><p>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</p><p>A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4</p>