The Control-Arousal Signal (CAS) Model – A Theory of Human Emotional Crying

Abstract

Human emotional crying remains an enigmatic phenomenon despite its universality throughout life. The Control-Arousal Signal Model (CAS) presented here is an integrative framework that unifies physiological, cognitive, and social perspectives on crying. It posits that emotional crying emerges when a perceived loss of control coincides with a sudden increase in arousal, evoking an emotional response and the expression of crying, including vocalizations and tears. The CAS conceptualizes crying as a five-phase temporal process—from stimulus appraisal to post-crying regulation—and highlights interpersonal signaling of loss of control as its primary function, with intrapersonal regulation as a secondary, context-dependent outcome. The CAS reconciles contradictory evidence, accommodates both negative and positive crying, and accounts for developmental, situational, and cultural moderators. The model generates testable hypotheses regarding the determinants, functions, and outcomes of crying. Its implications extend to developmental psychology, clinical practice, emotion regulation, and cross-cultural studies, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding human emotional crying.