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Where does our phobia of clowns come from?

Jan 27, 2025

Clowns are intended to entertain, but they often provoke a profound fear known as coulrophobia. A recent study shows over half of respondents experience anxiety around clowns, largely due to their exaggerated makeup. The unsettling distortion of human features contributes to this discomfort. The podcast delves into the psychological roots of this fear, exploring how historical figures and horror films have shaped our perception of clowns. Are these painted performers just misunderstood, or do they truly embody societal fears?

03:49

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Quick takeaways

The significant prevalence of coulrophobia is largely attributed to unsettling clown makeup that distorts human features and emotions.

Cultural narratives and occurrences, such as serial killers like John Wayne Gacy, have reinforced the fear of clowns as malevolent figures.

Deep dives

Understanding the Fear of Clowns

Chlorophobia, or the fear of clowns, is a surprisingly common phenomenon that affects a significant portion of the population. A study published in February 2023 revealed that over half of the surveyed individuals reported experiencing fear related to clowns, primarily due to the disquieting nature of clown makeup. This makeup distorts human features, making it difficult for people to interpret the clowns' true emotions, leading to feelings of unease. The uncanny valley effect also plays a role in this fear, as clowns embody a human-like appearance that is unsettlingly close yet distinctly different from actual human expression.

Understanding Chlorophobia: The Fear of Clowns

4min

Clowns are supposed to make you laugh, but often can make you shudder. What is supposed to be a figure of fun is for many the stuff of nightmares. Coulrophobia —the irrational fear of clowns that’s surprisingly common. This has been reinforced by popular culture, and many horror film-makers know that a scary clown is the perfect recipe for thrills, resulting in them becoming an icon of terror.

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology in February 2023 surveyed 900 individuals, revealing that 53% experienced clown-related fear. Participants pinpointed clown makeup as the primary source of discomfort, with its distortion of human features creating an air of menace. Unable to discern true emotions behind the painted facade, people feel unsettled by the clown’s unpredictable antics.

The Science Behind the Fear What exactly is so unnerving about clowns? Are murderous clowns a reality or mere fiction? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

First Broadcast: 7/5/2024

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