Clown Phobia: What It Is, How It Develops, and If It Can Be Cured
Painting titled, “Coulrophobia”. 16 x 20 inches.
As we enter Spooky Season, I feel it’s necessary to address a condition affecting roughly 54% of the global population, (according to a 2023 article in Scientific American) …. CLOWN PHOBIA! It is no surprise the anxiety disorder, also known as coulrophobia, is characterized by an intense and irrational fear of clowns. If you have experienced any of the following symptoms upon encountering a clown you may count yourself among the 54%:
Panic attacks
Rapid heart rate
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling faint
Avoidance of clowns
How Can You Catch Clown Phobia?
Clown phobia can develop for a variety of reasons. Some people may have had a negative experience with a clown as a child, such as being scared by a clown at a birthday party or circus. Others may develop clown phobia after watching a scary clown movie or TV show. Still others may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders, which can make them more likely to develop clown phobia. Generally speaking, many probably have Pennywise, Bozo the Clown and John Wayne Gacy to thank.
Clown phobia can be a debilitating condition. People with clown phobia might avoid social gatherings where clowns are present, such as birthday parties, circuses, and Halloween events. They may also have difficulty watching movies or TV shows featuring clowns.
Can Clown Phobia Be Treated?
There are a number of effective treatments for clown phobia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help people to identify and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs contributing to their fear. Exposure therapy is another effective treatment for clown phobia. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing people to clowns in a safe and controlled environment.
I do not suffer from a fear of clowns in particular. I keep my “intense and irrational” fears reserved for large crowds, flying and snakes.
Speaking of Exposure Therapy…
Early in my painting journey during 2021, I happened to come upon a book called, “Clown in a Cornfield” by Adam Cesare.
“Clown in a Cornfield” by Adam Cesare
I decided to pair reading the book with the latest album by the band Sum 41 called “Order in Decline”.
(I’ll speak to my obsession with pairing every book I read with an album I listen to on repeat for the duration of the book in a later blog post).
“Order in Decline” by Sum 41. Released July 19, 2019.
You can judge this book by its cover. It’s a fun, campy, teenage romp involving a pesky clown named “Frendo”. WIth the Sum 41 album piping into my ears providing a driving, somewhat dark soundtrack, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and ultimately painted a piece called “Coulrophobia” (pictured at Top) in tribute to Frendo.
Can Clown Phobia Be Cured?
Clown phobia can be cured with effective treatment. However, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all cure. The best treatment for clown phobia will vary depending on the individual's specific needs.
If you think you may have a clown phobia, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can assess your individual needs and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.