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

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.