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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Where does our phobia of clowns come from?