As a nation, we’ve been accused of going soft, crying publicly at the least provocation. US presidential candidate Hilary Clinton turned on the tears last week and won over the voters of Iowa. But how do women really feel about showing their emotions in front of colleagues?
New research from the University of Bedfordshire has found that the triggers for emotional displays by women at work tend to be complex, and often involve power, control and injustice. Stress is a key factor – the accumulation of anger, frustration and disappointment often lead to tears. Added to this is the pressure not to be seen to be upset.
Report author Yasmine Yaghmour says: “Women feel embarrassed and ashamed when they succumb to tears at work, for fear of appearing weak or incompetent to colleagues or customers. They feel it reinforces a negative female stereotype.” She adds that “Successful coping with crying episodes often involves purposeful action to restore rational thinking either through distraction or through physically removing themselves from the distressing situation.”
In short, ladies – head to the loo.
Comments (1)
Posted by Steve Miller | January 16, 2008 1:18 PM
If you need a good cry then have a good cry! Holding it in can harm you. However we do also have the brigade that turn on the tears for turning on the tears sake.
I don't think we should be ashamed of letting out the tears from time to time. In fact I actually think men should cry more. But we do have a business to run as well so if the forever cryers affect the operational needs of the business then I am afraid they have to be performance managed - erm - but then again that may trigger more tears!
Posted on January 16, 2008 13:18