Coulrophobia Fear Of Clowns
75Fear Of Clowns
Coulrophobia is the clinical name given for "fear of clowns" and can be defined as "a persistant, abnormal, irrational and exagerated fear of clowns".
Although this phobia is a relatively recent concept, coulrophobia can cause severe anxiety and panic attacks and have a profound impact on a persons quality of life.
Media Portrayal
Some symptoms of coulrophobia
- rapid breathing
- shortness of breath
- irregular heart beat
- sweating
- nausea
- feelings of dread
- nervousness
- dizzy
- visualizing "bad things"
Portrayals of clowns in the media.
- John Wayne Gacy who became known as the "killer clown" - Serial killer who would dress up as a clown (Pogo the Clown), perform and entertain for children.
- It - "It" is a Steven King classic horror novel where the antagonist would appear in many guises, most commonly as Bob Gray, or Pennywise the Dancing Clown a sadistic creature who would terrorize a group of town children.
- There are many more portrayals where media can reach a wider audience with popular programs as, The Simpsons, Rugrats, Halloween, and Saw.
Related Phobia
- Fear of Puppets - Pupaphobia
- Fear of Ventriloquist's Dummies - Automatonophobia
- Fear of Dolls - Pediophobia
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Related Links
- Phobic Society - UK
The 'National Phobics Society' (NPS) is the leading UK charity for people affected by anxiety disorders. - Phobic Trust - NZ
Stimulate awareness and education of anxiety, phobic and compulsive disorders, alleviate the suffering of those involved, and provide input into the research of the cause and management of these disorders. - Medline Plus
Treatment helps most people with phobias. Options include medicines, therapy or both. - Phobia List
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tis true, and unfortunately media portrayals of clowns usually lean more to the horrific.
I am not coulrophobic , but eversince I watched a teleseries of a clown being a serial killer I had a few nightmares.It was when I was a kid.It's quite surprising that such an entertaining profession could be associated with fright.
And yes bluewings, I'm not a coulrophobe either, but I will always remember when I saw "It" up till that moment clowns had never bothered me. Oh and "jeepers Creepers Where'd You Get those Peepers" (movie Jeepers Creepers) that song now sends shivers up my spine when ever I hear it.
When I was a child in the UK, there was a clown dressed all in white, from his pointed hat down to his shoes. I was terrified of him. Unfortunately, I cannot remember his name.
Hi Jance, I was reading an article some time back about children who were absolutely terrified of going to MacD's, they fear Ronald. When I first heard about coulrophobia, I thought it was a prank, a bit of a joke, untill I realised just what it was like to be terrified of the most odd things as a child.
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From my mail, while I was reading the heading of your hub. I thought immediately of the movie "It". I'm not scared of clowns either, but I just can't forget the impression that movie left on me. And it didn't helped to have watch it in two different languages, and at a different age period. It has still left something creepy about clowns. I'm not a fan either of Ronald McD.~lol And also the portrayal of clowns being lonely people behind the painted mascara they wore on their face, doesn't help too. But I really missed the time, when I would always look after any circus show on TV. Get engulfed with the magic and laughed wholeheartedly to clowns. (^^,)
This is true Aphroditei, doesnt it amaze just how much media does leave an impression on us.
hi t! I am not scared of anything (oh brave me! ha ha! joke) well, I am not coulrophobic but I know someone who is but she is still a child and I think it will soon change he he!
As a child I got very close to one, and realized that the smile on his face was painted on, and since then, there has always been an uneasy feeling of distrust.
Annie, as children many things make impressions on us, when I was a child I remember going to my uncles farm and saw one of his "house dogs" attack a rabbit, it was horrifying, ever since then I have always been a little apprehensive when it comes to dogs.
My mother started a clown collection for me as a kid - and then I saw Poltergeist. And I wanted them out of my room but she insisted they stay! Horrible!
i think that clowns are the scariest things on the planet and that you guys are right about clowns(evil)
Clowns are the worst possible thing that has ever walked the earth. I have never been fond of clowns and i will never be fond of clowns no matter how hard i try.
I think most people got more scared of clowns after watching or reading Stephen King's 'IT'. The film was freaky, I bet the book is even worse!!
Another related page I found at http://www.fearofstuff.com/humans/the-fear-of-clow
cgull8m 4 years ago
It reminds of Jason Alexander in Seinfeld, he has a fight with a clown. Sadly there is stereotyping everywhere, they are just doing their jobs, so there should be no phobias.