One factoid of yawning that both theorists can agree on is the notion that yawning is indeed contagious. This is why Andrew C. Gallup, Ph.D., thinks that although yawning has a social effect, a physiological trigger that we are unable to control must drive the action. When you see another person yawn, you are sure to follow; even thinking about it or seeing someone on television yawn might cause you to do it, too. Are you really able to control such a response? However, a study performed by Baylor University suggested that yawning is contagious not because of an unconscious trigger, but depending on the level of empathy a person has.

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