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In this episode, Dr. Morgentaler and Dr. Brandon talk about how chemical signals in human female tears can reduce male aggression by 43% and discuss the emotional, biological, and relational dynamics of crying during arguments.
- 00:30 – The Study: Tears and Aggression: A groundbreaking study reveals that chemical signals in women’s tears reduce male aggression by 43%, even when the tears have no detectable odor.
- 02:06 – Therapeutic Insights: Emotions in Arguments: The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing underlying emotions, like fear or sadness, during arguments, rather than relying on anger, to foster productive and compassionate communication.
- 03:36 – Men’s Perspective: Handling Tears: The discussion highlights the challenges men face when their partners cry, encouraging men to stay present and supportive, rather than feeling overwhelmed or obligated to “fix” the situation.
- 05:45 – Animal Behavior: Pheromones and Tears: The conversation shifts to animal studies, showing how tears and pheromones influence behavior in species like rats, mice, and snakes, providing parallels to human biological responses.
- 12:46 – Conclusion: Wisdom in Relationships: The episode concludes by connecting the science of tears to practical advice for building stronger relationships, underscoring the interplay between biology, emotion, and connection.
Resources
Agron, S., de March, C. A., Weissgross, R., Mishor, E., Gorodisky, L., Weiss, T., Furman-Haran, E., Matsunami, H., & Sobel, N. (2023). A chemical signal in human female tears lowers aggression in males. PLOS Biology, 21(12). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002442
