While reading, people are prone to subconsciously take on attributes to that of fictional characters as if they were their own. This phenomenon is 'experience-taking'.
According to research from the 1980s, psychogenic tears differ in composition from other tears. It may be a way to rid the body of stress related chemicals.
In an international study, participants who suppressed their crying or felt shame as they cried reported that they did not feel as good afterward.
Because of the dark and intense nature of the film Suicide Squad, director David Ayer hired an on-set therapist for the cast.