Have you ever noticed how a single yawn can start a domino effect, particularly when you’re with close friends or family? You’re not the only one who thinks that. There is a reason why you are more likely to “catch” a yawn from a loved one than from a complete stranger, according to science.
Researchers have discovered a connection between yawning and empathy. Yes, yawning may be your brain’s method of expressing emotional connection. Because of your emotional connection, your brain detects yawning more rapidly when you encounter someone close to you.
In fact, according to a study, people are more inclined to imitate the yawns of their closest friends, parents, and siblings than they are of strangers. Your brain is designed to be more sensitive to the people you care about, which is why this occurs. Actually, you are more prone to “mirror” their behavior—even something as minor as a yawn—the closer you are to them emotionally.
Curiously, contagious yawning is more common in those who are inherently more sympathetic—those who have a propensity to truly feel the emotions of others—regardless of the circumstance. It’s a subtly potent symbol of our interconnectedness.
But not all scientists think it’s merely a matter of empathy. According to some, it might also have something to do with how attentive you are or how intently you’re observing someone.
Yawning may be contagious, but only to those who are truly important.
