From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Coulrophobia is an abnormal or exaggerated fear of clowns. The term is common, but it does not appear to be used in psychology.[1] It is common among children, but is also sometimes found in teenagers and adults as well. Sufferers sometimes acquire a fear of clowns after having a bad experience with one personally, or seeing a sinister portrayal of one in the media. A design study carried out by the University of Sheffield found that children are frightened by clown-themed décor in hospitals.[2] Coulrophobia can also be said to extend to a fear of covering up one's face with paint - the idea of hiding recognisable features under a layer of facepaint can also unsettle coulrophobia sufferers.[citation needed]
[edit] Coulrophobia in reality
- In July 2006 the Bestival had to withdraw a request to festival goers to come dressed as clowns due to the unexpectedly high rate of coulrophobia among the potential audience.[3]
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