When it comes to the Clinton moment, specifically, another psychological process may be at play for those who have been fighting for equal representation. Researchers have long studied sexism and its influence on individual psyches: A 1999 cross-cultural analysis found that gender inequality can hurt a person’s economic and personal growth. Other research also suggests that it can lead to reduced life satisfaction for large groups of individuals.
Clinton’s history-making nomination, in this sense, likely had a positive — and immediate — cognitive effect. Enter the tears.
In short, as long we have emotions, we’re going to have physical reactions to them. There’s a cocktail of processes occurring when one moment triggers a strong feeling. The human body is a magical (and sometimes uncontrollable) machine.
Pass the tissues, please.