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

• Main Author: Lotta Linge
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2011-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
• Subjects: Hospital clowns; ailing children; staff; healthcare; joy
• Online Access: http://www.ijqhw.net/index.php/qhw/article/view/5899/7882

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.