Why do people fear clowns?
Are YOU afraid of clowns?
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It seems strange at first, since clowns are part of circuses that are supposed to make us laugh and smile, and clowns visit sick people in hospitals to lift their spirits…but yet there exists a strong fear of clowns. Why?
If you’re like many who dread those painted smiles, you’re not alone- especially when horror movies like It remind us just how unsettling they can be. (I saw It years ago and still remember how scared I felt.)
In a recent episode of Causes or Cures, I chat with Sophie Scorey about her research on the origins for why people fear clowns– the professional term for that being coulrophobia. Sophie dives into the global prevalence of this bizarre phobia and explores why so many people, from kids to adults, are terrified of clowns. Whether it’s their exaggerated features or eerie unpredictability, you’ll want to tune in to this first-of-its-kind investigation into what makes clowns so nightmare-worthy.
Sophie is a psychologist and researcher working towards her PhD at the School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales. I was thrilled to host her for her first podcast! I doubt she will see this, but she did a great job!
Please click here if you are interested in why people fear clowns or perhaps, want to understand your own aversion to clowns better. ;)
Also, as a reminder, I’ve added subscriptions to bonus podcast episodes (Causes or Cures +), where I dive deeper into trending public health topics and share interesting and bizarre health-related stories from the past. I research, write and record all of these bonus episodes, so I hope you consider subscribing and tuning in for them. Soon I will add a page to my website here dedicated to subscribers- upcoming Q/As you can join; discounts to some of my favorite wellness products and more. :) It’s only 4$ a month to subscribe to the podcast, but I will make it worth every dollar, promise.
If you have already subscribed, check out the first bonus episode on the Misinformation Massacre here! Or you can read more about it on my blog here!
Thanks for your support and for reading!
Talk soon, Eeks.