Researchers Believe Contagious Yawning Is A Sign Of Empathy

By Dr. Brian McDonough

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Have you ever found yourself in a situation where somebody yawns and then you yawn too?  Or maybe you yawn and somebody says 'don't make me yawn'? Believe it or not there is a phenomenon.

It's called "Yawn Contagion" and it's being studied and researchers are suggesting that you may respond to a yawn with another yawn when it comes from a family member or a friend. You may not do it quite as often if it's from a stranger.

Researchers at the University of Pisa in Italy found that there was the highest response in relatives then friends then acquaintances and finally strangers.

They believe that this is also a way of measuring empathy. Yawning may be a way of finding out how empathetic we are to others.