Chapter
The Psychology of Clowns and Why Children Fear Them
03:40 - 06:55 (03:15)
A 2008 study showed that the majority of children feared or disliked clowns, leading to the DSM including it as a childhood fear of costumed characters. It's recommended to keep clowns and children separate.
Clips
The DSM includes fear of clowns as a type of childhood fear of costumed characters, alongside other characters like Mickey Mouse.
03:40 - 05:32 (01:52)
Fear of Clowns
Summary
The DSM includes fear of clowns as a type of childhood fear of costumed characters, alongside other characters like Mickey Mouse. While scary clowns in horror movies are certainly creepy, having a fear of clowns is a documented psychological phenomenon.
ChapterThe Psychology of Clowns and Why Children Fear Them
EpisodeSelects: How Clowns Work
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Clowns have been entertaining children for generations, but recent studies have shown that most kids fear and dislike clowns due to their association with creepy or even abusive behavior.
05:32 - 06:55 (01:22)
Clowns
Summary
Clowns have been entertaining children for generations, but recent studies have shown that most kids fear and dislike clowns due to their association with creepy or even abusive behavior. This article explores the history of clowns and their declining popularity with modern audiences.