Our next step was to explore the origins of people’s fear of clowns. A follow-up questionnaire was given to the 53.5% who had reported at least some degree of clown fear. This new set of questions related to eight plausible explanations for the origins of this fear, as follows:
An eerie or unsettling feeling due to clowns’ makeup making them look not-quite-human. A similar response is sometimes seen with dolls or mannequins.
Clowns’ exaggerated facial features convey a direct sense of threat.
Clown makeup hides emotional signals and creates uncertainty.
The colour of clown makeup reminds us of death, infection or blood injury, and evokes disgust or avoidance.
Clowns’ unpredictable behaviour makes us uncomfortable.
Fear of clowns has been learned from family members.
Negative portrayals of clowns in popular culture.
A frightening experience with a clown.
