Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on the science behind fear of clowns

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Are you afraid of clowns?

Coulrophobia, as it is known is a very common phobia and can lead to shaking, fast breathing, fast heart rate, feeling of terror, heavy sweating and nausea anytime a clown is seen.

To try and help explain the science behind this fear a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology was released this week.

In the study 987 people aged between 18 and 88 across Africa, Europe, Australia, North and South America were given a psychometric questionnaire to fill out.

It asked participants to rank statements on the basis of the intensity of their feelings. Statements included:

I think a lot about clowns

Clowns are one of my worst fears

If I came across a clown I would leave the room.

The study found that 53 percent of the participants were scared of clowns, 5 percent of those extremely afraid.

The fear was highest in Asian participants and lowest in those from Europe.

The researchers found that the fear of clowns could be divided into eight different reasons:

1 – Clown makeup creates and eerie or unsettling feeling due to them looking not-quite human.

2 – The exaggerated facial features of a clown convey a sense of threat.

3 – Clown makeup creates a sense of uncertainty as it hides emotions.

4 – The colour of clown makeup reminds us of death or a blood injury

5 – Clowns are unpredictable which makes us uncomfortable

6 – A fear of clowns can be learned from family members

7 – Negative portrayals of clowns in movies and books create fear

8 – A personal frightening experience with a clown can last a lifetime.

Sadly the research didn’t come up with any solutions to help alleviate a fear of clowns, so for now if you suffer with coulrophobia the advice is to just avoid them.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.