Sad clown paradox
Link between comedy and mental disorders / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The sad clown paradox is the contradictory association, in performers, between comedy and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.[1][2] For those affected, early life is characterised by feelings of deprivation and isolation, where comedy evolves as a release for tension, removing feelings of suppressed physical rage through a verbal outlet.[3]
A series of psychological experiments first published in 1981 by the psychologist Seymour Fisher indicated certain behavioural traits exclusive to comedians and not matched in regular actors.[4] Later work conducted by Kaufman and Kozbelt re-interpreted these results, drawing the understanding that whilst comedy serves as a coping mechanism to hide trauma, it may also motivate a comedian to use humour as a way of forming relations and gaining acceptance.[5]
Humour has been shown to develop from a young age, fostered by parental behaviour.[6] A parent's immature nature can lead to additional responsibilities forced onto children, which can evoke issues of self-worth and a need for acceptance.[7] The constant search for approval may cause mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and when untreated can lead to suicide in extreme situations.[8] Laughter can evolve as a medium for self-preservation, detaching the individual from any adversity faced allowing for perceived control over uncomfortable situations.[9]
Sad clown paradox is characterised by a cyclothymic temperament, which encourages the creation of light-hearted humour in a professional setting, despite inner turmoil.[10] The use of humour as a form of self-medication provides short periods of satisfaction, repeatedly needing to deal with inner turmoil.[11] There is an ever-present anxiety amongst comedians that their popularity may disappear tomorrow and hence they may be driven to exhaustion in their work.[11]