The Use of Medical Clowns as a Psychological Distress Buffer During Anogenital Examination of Sexually Abused Children

Dafna Tener, Nessia Lang-Franco, Shoshi Ofir, Rachel Lev-Wiesel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of medical clowns on psychological distress during pediatric anogenital examinations. A convenience sample of 30 allegedly sexually abused minors ranging in age from 1 to 17 years (M = 10.57, SD = 4.71) was recruited among children at a medical center for sexually abused children in Israel. Parents and children completed self-report questionnaires consisting of two measures: the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Scale and an evaluation scale regarding the role of and experience with medical clowns. Results indicated that children accompanied by a medical clown during examination expressed less fear, reported lower pain levels, and had fewer invasive thoughts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-22
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Loss and Trauma
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatric Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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