Crying is one of the most basic human emotional responses and serves as a natural way to comfort ourselves in many situations. When crying, people are often observed to assume the foetal position. This behaviour has a deep psychological and biological background. The foetal position is characterised by pulling the arms over the chest, bending the legs towards the abdomen and rolling the body. So why do we stand in the foetal position when crying?
Psychological background of the foetal position
1. Need for confidence and relaxation
The foetal position is the position we assume in the womb during the prenatal period. This position is associated with survival and feeling safe. When we cry, we assume the foetal position, reflecting our subconscious need to feel safe and protected. This is part of our attempt to comfort and calm ourselves in stressful and emotional moments.
2. Self-protection
Crying is often associated with feelings of weakness and vulnerability. The foetal position functions as a kind of self-protection mechanism by shielding vulnerable parts of the body. This is an instinctive response to cope with the perception of danger or threat.
3. Emotional regression
In psychological literature, regression behaviour back to childhood is often observed in stressful situations. The foetal position can represent an emotional regression back to early childhood and the time when our mothers surrounded, protected and reassured us. This functions as a way of coping with difficult emotions.
Biological background of the foetal position
1. The relaxing effect of the fetal position
The foetal position is a natural posture that has a calming effect on the central nervous system of the body. In this position, muscles and joints relax, which creates a feeling of relaxation in the body. At the same time, bending and contracting the body can alleviate the ‘fight or flight’ response of the nervous system.
2. Intrinsic sensory feedback
The foetal position helps the body to better sense its own movements and position by providing internal sensory feedback. This increases body awareness and allows one to connect more with one's own body. During crying this connection can help one to better process emotional intensity.
