Perceived changes in psychological and physical symptoms after hospital clown performances in a cancer setting

Background: The therapeutic role of humor and hospital clowns has become a focus of interest in recent decades. Most of the research in the area has focused on children; here, we explore the influence of clown performances on adult cancer patients, their companions, and health-care staff. Methods: N...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Arts & health 2021-05, Vol.13 (2), p.189-203
Main Authors: Casellas-Grau, A., Ochoa, C., Lleras De Frutos, M., Flix-Valle, A., Rosales, A., Gil, F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer
clowning
healthcare
hospital clown
Medical personnel
Professionals
psycho-oncology
Well being
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Summary:Background: The therapeutic role of humor and hospital clowns has become a focus of interest in recent decades. Most of the research in the area has focused on children; here, we explore the influence of clown performances on adult cancer patients, their companions, and health-care staff. Methods: Ninety-nine cancer patients and 113 companions were assessed pre- and post-interventions performed by professional clowns; 31 health professionals were asked about the possible influence of the presence of clowns in hospital on their work. Results: Patients felt that clowning performances helped to reduce their level of psychological symptoms, but not their physical symptoms. Companions reported improvements in all the psychological symptoms explored. Health professionals reported that the presence of clowns in the workplace improved their well-being. Conclusions: Clowning performances helped to improve psychological functioning in all the populations studied, especially in companions. Adult hospitals should consider promoting clowning interventions to improve general well-being.
ISSN:1753-3015
1753-3023
DOI:10.1080/17533015.2020.1744172