Behaviors such as social withdrawal, lack of remorse, manipulation in interpersonal relationships, and deception are traits that indicate psychopathy, but identifying these traits can involve many other details.
Interestingly, studies show that people who do not yawn when they see someone else yawning tend to exhibit more psychopathic traits. This is one of the signs that can alert us to the presence of a psychopath.
Contagious yawning is thought to be caused by empathy, a trait psychopaths often lack. In addition, research points to other physical signs that may reveal that you are dealing with a psychopath. Next, let’s explore two of these signs!
Studies point to a new trait of psychopathy
In a 2015 study by Baylor University in Texas, 135 students were analyzed for characteristics such as Machiavellian self-centeredness and emotional coldness.
During the research, participants were shown videos in which people made a variety of facial expressions, including yawning. It is known that the tendency to yawn is contagious, especially in cases of exhaustion.
According to the study, participants who scored high on the trait of emotional coldness were less likely to be affected by contagious yawning.
Contagious yawning has been widely linked to empathy, suggesting a possible link between the ability to attach emotionally to others and the tendency to yawn in response to visual yawning stimuli.
In addition to yawning in response to another person, psychopaths tend to have a different sleep routine. In a study conducted by Australian researchers in 2013, it was noted that the preference for staying up late or until dawn is directly related to antisocial behavior and hallmarks of psychopaths.
However, it is important to note that not responding to contagious yawning or preferring to sleep late does not necessarily indicate that something is wrong with the person. Each individual is unique in their response to social stimuli, and certainly the help of specialists is essential for a complete diagnosis.
