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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 12-22 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Loss and Trauma |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatric Mental Health
- Social Psychology
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- Psychiatry and Mental health