"Contagious yawning" may be associated with sleepiness and boredom, but new research has found that the act is all about empathy .
According to the University of Leeds research, contagious yawning may in fact be a sign of high-level social empathy.
The research study was presented at the British Association's Festival of Science , and suggests that while almost all animals with a backbone yawn, the reflex is only infectious among humans, chimpanzees and some monkeys. Contagious yawning is thought to have evolved as a means of social communication.
I yawn a lot. A lot.
I always thought I was tired.
42 comments:
Here's my theory.
A person yawns to equalize the pressure between the inner and outer ears. (I think I read that somewhere.) I mean, after all, no one would want vapor lock in the most important engine of all.
But what happens when Joe's pressure gets equalized by a yawn? Well, it messes up the air pressure just enough to upset Josephine's balance and she must yawn to balance it.
It is of no surprise to me that you're an empathic person :)
Have a great week!
Well, I think we should be happy that we hold our empathetic physical eruptions to yawning, otherwise the world could be a much more disagreeable place, Deb. But, the infectious nature of yawns is utterly true.
Hmmm, I thought it was contagious with dogs too... my mum's dog always yawns back if you look at her when you yawn!
Empathy is among the most amazing and intuitive of our abilities. Compassion for others is at the core of what "human" means. But it has a dark side too. Schadenfreude, delight in the misfortune of others, seems to have a contagious quality as well.
"Beware of the dark side Luke.... "
Dear Ami,
I like your theory!
Dear Donna,
I bet you yawn a lot too ;)
Dear Ian,
There's this one commercial for a caffeine soda drink where each person yawns which sets off the next person who yawns, etc. etc. Whatever time I happen to catch this tv ad, I yawn! Day, night, afternoon, right after a cat nap. Drives me crazy!
Dear Guilty,
I think that cats and dogs are extremely empathic or connected to us. So, yes, I can agree with you on that!
Dear GW,
Empathy is an amazing emotion and neurobiological phenom. And Schadenfreude *is* a rather curious dark side of humanity. I always try to be aware of the dark side, Obiwan.
~Deb
NPR did a piece on this a few weeks back...then they made the whole listening audience yawn at once!
Empathy...that magic word again!
I had no doubt you were!
alan
I am soooo glad this is being studied. Very important data!!
I'm glad we're not tired, aren't you?
I must be overly empathetic because all I do is yawn :)
I guess then yawning is something like sympathy pains...
Interesting.
I yawn incessantly. I thought it was my breathing issues with Myasthenia Gravis.
I much prefer your reasoning.
*grin*
And here I was thinking it was must my java wearing off - just being a mom!!!
So, will "group yawns" be the group hug of tomorrow??
Dr. G
So does that mean the more one is sensitive to others' yawns and follows suit, the more social empathy one has?
I don't know about that. Did they do anything to test that theory, other than to just blindly attributing it to modern science's cop-out magic word of "evolution"? (I do NOT believe in evolution.) One test I can think of, that wouldn't DISPROVE this theory, but it would cast it in doubt is to study a bunch of mass murderers (because they probably don't have any empathy) and see if they yawn when they see their would-be victims yawn. I bet they would.
Hey Deb! I've been incognito for a bit and think I'm caught up with you for now. I yawn alot too! I feel tired when I do it too so this makes me go Hmmmm...
Sorry...I am just tired plain and simple. Empathy schmepathy.
Alright well this is my hairbrained theory.
I always thought it was your body's way of stretching out your diaphragm and momentarily increasing your lung capacity. The rush of air into your body refreshes you a bit and makes you alert.
I think the reason we yawn reflexively is because of our social needs and that we biologically need groups to survive. If someone in a group is yawning to stay awake,as animals the pack is safest if everyone is awake.
All other animals mimic behavior that makes them safer and watch body language. So why wouldn't humans?
good article dr. deb. now i understand about myself and yawning.
I once read that, if you're being confronted by an angry canine, feigning a yawn will diffuse the situation -- in effect, it says to the dog, "You're so unthreatening to me that I'm relaxed and even a little sleepy".
I don't think I'd be brave enough to give it a try -- I'd be too busy running the other way, grabbing a big stick, and yelling like crazy.
Still, the idea that a yawn expresses empathy is an interesting one.... *yawn*
After reading this last night I tried an experiment on my kitties. I yawned in their faces! One at a time. Very interesting results. The oldest (my partner is her person) did not yawn. The other two did (I belong to both of them)...the youngest who follows me around like a puppy and cries when I leave for school, yawned twice to my one!
*giggle*
it's good to know im not really tired and am just feelin for my friend:)
Normally when I yawn I am truly tired or at least that is when I notice it the most. Thanks Dr. Deb for your support. You're the greatest! Please let me know when your book comes out so that I can support you...
Dr. Deb, help! It seems I have a C in my math class. Thus, my GPA has dropped to a 3.5. If I earn mostly A's but get a C in an introductory math course are my chances shot at being accepted to grad school for clinical psych? :c(
Maybe you could compose a blog on grad school entry tips. Love you!
-Distressed in Ohio
hmm well i dont know about communication, i always thought yawning was a sign of boredom but never tiredness we never try to yawn in front of anyone because for us thats total disrespect
I just yawned! Interesting Dr Deb.
That's a new knowledge for me. And I thought yawning was just contagious. Sometimes yawning signifies boredom too, when we get sleepy during a long lecture or presentation. Thanks for the informative post. Smile always. God bless and have a wonderful and pleasant day.
I'm pretty sure you're not just tired!
Next time I yawn at work, I'll tell everybody I'm just empathetic. :-D
Speaking of work, can you tell me if there's research on this phenomenon? Because it seems related in my (admittedly lay) mind. I'll pick up other peoples' accents and expressions. For example, I have absorbed a lot of Yiddish from my BossLady, to the point that other people think I'm Jewish, too. I've never been Jewish. Before that, I absorbed and frequently used a lot of my Cuban-American BossMan's Spanish expressions. I know I'm not the only one who does that either--my future stepdad, who is a fantastic salesman, doesn't even have to tell us where he's traveled lately, because we can tell by the accent he's speaking with.
ROFFLMAO Well I must empathize with every single one of you who wrote the word yawn.
I had to stop reading the comments because I could't stop yawning. (there I go again)
I just read recently that yawning in a lecture etc is actually a compliment, it is the brains way of re oxygenating it's self so that it can be more alert.
I also belief that yawning is a great stress release.I always feel better with a big stretch and good yawn.
Wow what an interesting theory! Makes sense though. Of course that is because I yawn lots, and would rather think it is because I am very sensitive and empathetic than always tired! lol
Good to know! I yawn all the time during morning rounds when i'm post-call :) Can I claim empathy?
My cat yawns all the time! Interesting observations.
Interesting!
antidepressants can make you yawn... effexor had that effect on me for a couple of months.
That's reassuring! I too thought I was perhaps starved of Oxygen and thus the yawning! Yawn for empathy;I like that. Though it may be construed as rude if that were to happen during a meeting at work. Can you imagine what that would be like, hehe
Whoa, I never even thought about that. I have always wondered why people yawn right after someone else does. That's really interesting! I'm always learning something new here! (Another dent in the head, as they say.) Who's "they" anyway? :D
And now you've mentioned it...I'm yawning! :)
hmm is wondering if deb is ok ?
Funny to read all the different myths of why people yawn. I just recently listened to a program on NPR (National Public Radio) about yawning. Basically what they concluded is that they really don't know why things yawn for certainty, but they do know that only things with backbones yawn. (thought if you know anything about the anatomy of a body you know that a backbone is necessary to move the ribs to expand the lungs) lol so they really didn't figure anything out.
Hope this post finds you well Deb :-)
Dear Alan,
I should tune into listen to NPR more often!
Dear Janjanmom,
Sometimes I AM tired, ;) Aren't you!!
Dear Dream,
YEah, like sympathy pain.
Dear Dreaming,
I like the reasoning too, lol.
Dear Dr. G,
Group yawns -- you are so funny!
dear BEth,
Yes, I think so.
Dear Scott,
Yes, the data is based on research studies.
Dear Traci,
So nice to see you here.
Dear Sher,
I am exhausted today and yawning all day - no one is in the house so I'm not vibe-ing off of anyone!
Dear ILP,
Your theory is a good one.
Dear Heiresschild,
I definitely think I yawn contagiously because I am empathetic, but there are time that I yawn bc I am SO tired!
Dear Kimber,
You and The Dog Whisperer rule!
Dear Fallen,
Both my cats yawn if I do, and vice versa.
Dear Wolfgirl,
That's what the data seems to say.
Dear Rose,
I really enjoyed read your book. When my novel finds a publishing home, I'll be certain to let you know.
Dear Anon,
I'm not in the loop for what is good etc for getting into grad school....but there are many blogs that do. Do a search and I bet you'll get a new network!
Dear JIP,
Yeah, I've done the clamp-the-yawn-closed becasue I didn't want to offend someone too.
Dear Seaspray,
LOL!
Dear Mel,
As always thanks for your kind wishes. I wish the same to you and your family.
Dear Crackerlilo,
Oh sure, the phenom is known as "introjection" or "internalization"- taking in traits, aspects, characteristics etc from others. There's tons written about it. I have experienced that too. When I am with my friends from the south, I come home with a twang I didn't have prior to leaving.
Dear I. Lewis,
Your comment made me rolflol too! And then I yawned.
Dear Hope,
Yawning can be a sign of sleepiness, boredom and a way to excite or re-energize the body mind and soul. But in group situations, the contagiousness can be empathy. Funny, huh?
Dear Savante,
For sure. I'll write ya a note.
Dear Marie,
I love when my cat yawns. Her little teeth click and clatter in a cute way.
Dear Casdok,
That's what I try to do here - To Bring interesting and relevant things to the bloggers who visit.
Dear Anon,
MEds can make you yawn, for sure.
Dear Id,
There are many reasons for yawning, but it is the contagious aspect that this post highlighted.
Dear ~Deb,
How is your computer?
Dear HP,
I'm writing these comments waaaay past my bedtime, so I am yawning almost every minute!
Dear Jade,
I've never seen a snake yawn, that's true! Maybe there is a backbone theory!
~Deb
companies marketing mineral makeups and also get the best bargains in mineral makeup you can imagine,
find aout how to consolidate your students loans or just how to lower your actual rates.,
looking for breast enlargements? in Rochester,
homeopathy for eczema learn about it.,
Allergies, information about lipitor,
save big with great bargains in mineral makeup,
change edition interviewing motivational people preparing second,
interviewing motivational people preparing second time,
interviewing people motivational preparing for a second time,
black mold exposure,
black mold exposure symptoms,
black mold symptoms of exposure,
free job interview questions,
free job interview answers,
interview answers to get a job,
lookfor hair styles for fine thin hair,
search hair styles for fine thin hair,
hair styles for fine thin hair,
beach resort in the philippines,
great beach resort in the philippines,
luxury beach resort in the philippines,
iron garden gates, here,
iron garden gates,
wrought iron garden gates
, here,
wrought iron garden gates
,
You: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide to the Body That Will Make You Healthier and Younger
,
eat eating mindless more than think we we why
,
texturizer,
texturizers here,
black hair texturizer,
find aout how care curly hair,
find about how to care curly hair,
care curly hair,
lipitor rash,
lipitor reactions,
new house ventura california,
the house new houston tx,
new house washington dc,
new house pa philadelphia,
san antonio tx house new,
house new pa philadelphia,
new house washington dc,
new house ventura california,
the house new houston tx,
house new san antonio tx,
the house new houston tx, that you are looking for,
new house ventura california, you need to buy,
new house washington dc,
house new pa philadelphia,
new house san antonio tx,
hair surgery transplant,
air filter allergy,
refurbished dell laptop computers,
hair surgery transplant,
air filter allergy,
refurbished dell laptop computers,
hair surgery transplant,
air filter allergy,
refurbished dell laptop computers,
chocolate esophagus heartburn study,
chocolate esophagus heartburn studybe informed,
digestion healing healthy heartburn natural preventing way,
digestion healing healthy heartburn natural preventing way,
sew skirts, 16simple styles you can make!,
sew what skirts 16 simple styles you,
rebates and discounts on sunsetter awnings,
sunsetter awnings discounts and rebates,
discount on sunsetter awnings
truck and bus tires 12r 22.5, get the best price,
tires truck and bus 12r 22.5 best price,
tires truck bus tires12r 22.5 best price,
plush car seat strap covers,
car seat strap covers,plush,
car seat strap, plush covers,
oscoda voip phone systems, the best!,
oscoda voip the phone system,
oscoda voip phone systems,
exterior iron gates,
oriental wrought iron gates,
powder coated iron garden fencing,
black mold exposure,
black mold symptoms of exposure,
wrought iron garden gates,
your nest iron garden gates, here,
hair styles for fine thin hair,
search hair styles for fine thin hair,
night vision binoculars,
buy, night vision binoculars,
lipitor reactions,
lipitor reactions,
luxury beach resort in the philippines,
beach resort in the philippines,
homeopathy for baby eczema.,
homeopathy for eczema learn about it.,
save big with great mineral makeup bargains,
companies marketing mineral makeups,
Everyone will suffer pain at some point in their lives. Grim as this may sound, some pain is necessary - it is a signal of our brain that something is wrong in our body, what we need in order to protect our health and well-being. Pain relief medications will stop your pain.
Celebrex medicine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs, which relieves pain and inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat pain, swelling and stiffness due to arthritis. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Reducing prostaglandin helps to reduce pain and swelling.
Fioricet pain relief drug is a sedative and pain reliever. It is used to relieve pain from mild to moderate and tension headaches.Tell your doctor your medical history, in particular: severe liver disease, alcohol or drug dependence, emotional / mental conditions, diseases of the heart (arrhythmia, recent MI), stomach / intestine ulcers, any allergies.
Imitrex pain relief drug is used for treatment of migraine and headache with or without aura (for example, flashing lights, wavy lines, dark spots). It is also used to treat headaches cluster. Imitrex is a serotonin 5-HT agonist 1receptor ( “triptans”). It works by restricting the blood vessels in the brain, which helps to alleviate migraine headaches and cluster.
Maxalt pain relief drug is used for treatment of acute migraine headache with or without aura (flashing lights, wavy lines, dark spots) for adults. It should not be used to prevent migraine or cluster headache. Maxalt is a selective agonist of the serotonin receptor. It works narrowing of dilated blood vessels in the brain, relieving migraine headaches.
Ponstel pain relief medication is used for treatment of menstrual pain. It can be used for the short-term (not more than 7 days), the treatment of pain from mild to moderate. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Tramadol pain relief drug is used to relieve severe pain. It can also be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain. Tramadol drug is sometimes prescribed for other uses; Offices You can address your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tylenol medication is used to treat minor aches and pains due to headaches, muscle aches, backache, arthritis, the common cold, flu, sore teeth, menstrual cramps, and vaccinations, and to temporarily reduce fever.
Ultracet drug is combination medicines containing opioid analgesics (pedo - KOT-ik an al-zicks JEE), such as tramadol (TRA unemployed machine) and acetaminophen (one seat to a MIN-OH-fen), used to relieve pain. An opioid analgesics and acetaminophen used together can provide better pain relief than either drug used alone. In some cases, you can obtain relief with low doses of each drug.
Post a Comment