The science of laughter: the therapeutic power of clowns

How laughter and play transform the mind, body and life

by Violeta Garcia Claramunt (vgc)

Laughter as a universal language

I have seen how laughter can open doors that no words could. Clowns do not heal with medicine alone: they heal with shared life, humour, and tenderness.

Laughter is not just an instinctive reflex; it is a powerful tool that transforms our body, mind and relationships. Laughter activates physiological systems that regulate stress, strengthen immunity and balance emotions. From hospitalised children to elderly adults in nursing homes, the benefits of laughing and interacting with a clown are increasingly documented by science.

The clown, with their deliberate clumsiness, vulnerability and contagious joy, activates a space where laughter ceases to be a simple gesture and becomes medicine.

Scientific evidence of laughter and clowns

Various studies show how laughter has a positive impact on our physical and emotional health:

• Stress reduction: Laughter decreases cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, generating a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

• Improved mood: Clown interventions in hospitals have significantly reduced anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures and have also had positive effects on parents and healthcare staff.

• Physiological effects: Laughter improves blood pressure, heart rate and oxygenation, while releasing endorphins, neurotransmitters linked to pleasure and joy.

• Social bonding and connection: Laughing in a group strengthens relationships, facilitates communication and activates empathy, creating a safe space for sharing emotions.

Recent studies in pediatric hospitals, nursing homes and adult workshops show that clowns not only provoke smiles, but also produce measurable changes in the health and well-being of those who participate.

The clown as a therapeutic tool

Clowns are not limited to entertaining; their essence is conscious play and authentic presence. Through gestures, expressions, and sounds, they invite those around them to let go of tension, allow themselves to make mistakes, and reconnect with natural joy.

I have seen how shared laughter can change the atmosphere of an entire room. In hospitals, I have observed children who were previously fearful of a procedure manage to relax and cooperate thanks to the intervention of a clown. In nursing homes, elderly people who rarely speak find in laughter a means of communication and connection.

The psychology of laughter: mechanisms and effects

From a psychological perspective, laughter has several mechanisms that explain its benefits:

1. Distraction and relief: It takes the mind away from worries, stress and pain, offering emotional respite.

2. Emotional regulation: It facilitates the management of difficult emotions, such as fear, sadness or anxiety.

3. Cognitive restructuring: By laughing at situations and ourselves, we can reinterpret experiences in a more flexible and positive way.

4. Interpersonal connection: Shared laughter builds trust and empathy, strengthening emotional bonds.

Laughter is not a luxury, it is a biological and emotional necessity. Clowns remind us that we can laugh at ourselves, that it is okay to make mistakes, and that play is a language of freedom and humanity.

Beyond fun, laughter teaches us to live more fully: to be present, to accept our limitations, and to connect with others through genuine joy.

Sources:

1. Ekman, P. (2003). Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life. New York: Times Books.

2. Cousins, N. (1979). Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient. New York: W.W. Norton.

3. Vagnoli, L., Caprilli, S., Robiglio, A., & Messeri, A. (2005). Clown doctors as a treatment for preoperative anxiety in children: a randomized, prospective study. Pediatrics, 116(4), e563 e567.

4. Bertini, M., et al. (2011). The impact of clown interventions on hospitalized children: A meta-analysis. European Journal of Pediatrics, 170(6), 721 729.

5. Fry, W. F., & Salameh, W. A. (2009). The biology of humor and laughter. Humor: International Journal of Humor Research, 22(2), 201 219.

6. Morreall, J. (2009). Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor. Malden: Wiley-Blackwell.