Abstract Title:

Contagious yawning in chimpanzees.

Abstract Source:

Gynecol Oncol. 2009 Jun;113(3):374-8. Epub 2009 Mar 25. PMID: 15801606

Abstract Author(s):

James R Anderson, Masako Myowa-Yamakoshi, Tetsuro Matsuzawa

Article Affiliation:

Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK. [email protected]

Abstract:

Six adult female chimpanzees were shown video scenes of chimpanzees repeatedly yawning or of chimpanzees showing open-mouth facial expressions that were not yawns. Two out of the six females showed significantly higher frequencies of yawning in response to yawn videos; no chimpanzees showed the inverse. Three infant chimpanzees that accompanied their mothers did not yawn at all. These data are highly reminiscent of the contagious yawning effects reported for humans. Contagious yawning is thought to be based on the capacity for empathy. Contagious yawning in chimpanzees provides further evidence that these apes may possess advanced self-awareness and empathic abilities.

Study Type : Animal Study
Additional Links
Therapeutic Actions : Yawning : CK(3) : AC(2)

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.