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Yawning is a peculiar and seemingly universal behavior that spreads like wildfire in a room. 

While it might seem like a simple act, the psychology behind yawning and its contagious nature has intrigued researchers for years. Here are some reasons why yawning is so contagious for a lot of people, and why others seem to be immune to it.

A sign of empathy

One of the prevailing theories behind contagious yawning revolves around the concept of empathy. Studies suggest that more empathetic individuals can be more susceptible to contagious yawning. This phenomenon may be linked to our ability to understand and share the feelings of others. 

When a person sees someone yawn, the brain automatically activates the mirror neuron system, which is associated with empathy. This same system is responsible for a similar human behavior that considers laughter as contagious. Essentially, contagious yawning might be a subconscious way for someone to connect with others emotionally.

Psychopaths and their immunity

On the other hand, psychopaths seem to defy the norm when it comes to contagious yawning. 

Psychopathy is characterized by a lack of empathy and emotional understanding. Consequently, individuals with psychopathic traits are less likely to succumb to the urge to yawn when witnessing others doing so. This intriguing finding suggests a potential link between contagious yawning and the neural mechanisms associated with empathy.

Effect of age

Another reason why some people are more engaged with contagious yawning is age. As individuals age, their susceptibility to contagious yawning appears to change. A study has shown that children as young as four or five are more prone to this behavior than older individuals. This shift may be linked to the development of empathy and social awareness over time. As people mature, they become more adept at regulating their emotional responses, leading to a reduced susceptibility to contagious yawning.