Joy without demands: Hospital clowns in the world of ailing children

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to achieve, using an affect theory approach (Tomkins, 1962; 1963; 1991), a deeper theoretical understanding of the psychological significance of hospital clowns’ work in caring for ailing children viewed from a care-giver perspective. The methodological approach was qualitative and based on 20 interviews with healthcare staff: 3 men and 17 women. The result showed how the staff emphasized a psychological quality of care alongside the physical quality of care. The hospital clowns’ ‘‘unexpected possibility’’ provided a safe area for recovery, for both the children and the staff. The theoretical interpretation showed the presence of the affects surprise/startle, interest/ excitement, and enjoyment/joy as well as specifically how ‘‘joy without demands’’ often had a lingering effect in the form of vitality. Joy without demands is discussed in relation to psychological theory with emphasis on: a confirmation of the body’s possibilities, a magical attachment, a chance to transcend boundaries, and a non-demanding situation.

Keywords: Hospital clowns, ailing children, staff, healthcare, joy

(Published: 8 March 2011)

Citation: Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-being 2011, 6: 5899 - DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v6i1.5899