- Contagious yawning has been linked to empathy.
- Psychopaths lack empathy for others as a general rule.
- A study in 2015 found that scoring highly on a checklist for psychopathy was associated with a lower chance of catching yawns.
- It's not necessarily a determining factor, but it could be a symptom.
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To determine whether someone is a psychopath, they have to score highly on tests like the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, answering questions about superficial charm, impulsive behaviour, and pathological lies.
But there could be a simpler test: yawning.
It's hard not to yawn when someone else does, because yawning is so contagious. Even dogs can catch them. But according to a study from 2015, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, psychopaths aren't so susceptible.
The researchers from Baylor University recruited 135 students and measured their personalities for psychopathic traits. They then subjected them to a contagious yawning experiment.
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Those who scored highly on the psychopathic scale were much less likely to catch a yawn.
In previous research, yawning has been linked to empathy. For example, in one study, children with autism were less likely to catch yawns, possibly because they find it harder to read other people. Babies don't catch yawns either, and won't until they are at least 4 years old, when they have more emotional awareness.
The researchers suggest empathy could be at play in their experiment, as psychopaths tend to lack it.
This isn't to say if someone doesn't yawn when you do they must be a psychopath. It's just an intriguing symptom of the people who struggle to connect with other people's emotions.
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Also, people can catch yawns to different degrees. For some, it's just reading the word "yawn" is enough to set them off. So if you yawned the whole way through reading this article, you might be able to conclude that your empathy is pretty high.
As a seasoned expert in psychology and behavioral science, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to provide valuable insights into the fascinating connection between contagious yawning and empathy. I am well-versed in the relevant studies and research that explore the intricate nuances of human behavior, particularly in relation to psychopathy and empathy.
The article in question discusses a 2015 study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, conducted by researchers from Baylor University. In this study, 135 students were recruited, and their personalities were measured for psychopathic traits using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist. The researchers then conducted a contagious yawning experiment to observe the participants' susceptibility to yawning.
The findings revealed a compelling link between psychopathy and the reduced likelihood of catching yawns. Individuals who scored highly on the psychopathic scale exhibited a lower propensity to experience contagious yawning. This observation aligns with previous research suggesting that yawning is linked to empathy.
Empathy, a crucial aspect of human social interaction, is explored through various indicators, one of which is the ability to catch yawns from others. Notably, individuals with higher levels of empathy are more likely to yawn in response to someone else yawning. This phenomenon has been observed in studies involving children with autism, who are less prone to contagious yawning, possibly due to difficulties in understanding and interpreting others' emotions.
The article emphasizes that while the reduced susceptibility to contagious yawning could be a symptom, it is not a definitive determining factor for psychopathy. To ascertain psychopathy, individuals typically undergo comprehensive assessments, such as the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, which evaluates traits like superficial charm, impulsive behavior, and pathological lies.
The study's researchers propose that the connection between psychopathy and decreased yawning responsiveness may be indicative of a lack of empathy in psychopathic individuals. It is crucial to note that not yawning in response to others does not conclusively label someone as a psychopath. Instead, it serves as an intriguing symptom highlighting potential difficulties in connecting with the emotions of others.
In conclusion, this research adds another layer to our understanding of psychopathy and empathy, showcasing the potential role of contagious yawning as a behavioral indicator. As an expert in the field, I find these insights to be valuable contributions to the ongoing exploration of human behavior and psychological traits.
