How do clowns help hospitalized children?

Clown interactions with hospitalized children have been shown to significantly reduce the children's anxiety levels, with saliva tests revealing elevated levels of the "bonding hormone" oxytocin.

What are the benefits of laughter for stress reduction?

Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, allowing people to relax and feel safer. Shared laughter also triggers the release of endogenous opioids in the brain, which act as natural painkillers.

How do chimpanzees use laughter-like vocalizations?

Chimpanzees use laughter-like sounds during play, such as when chasing or wrestling, to nurture their social bonds. They invest considerable time in social grooming and play, maintaining social networks of about 80-100 acquaintances.

Home / Science / Clowns Boost Oxytocin and Reduce Anxiety in Hospitalized Children

Clowns Boost Oxytocin and Reduce Anxiety in Hospitalized Children

15 Nov

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Summary

Clown interactions lowered anxiety in children awaiting surgery
Saliva tests showed elevated oxytocin, the "bonding hormone"
Laughter reduces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol

Clowns Boost Oxytocin and Reduce Anxiety in Hospitalized Children

According to a study conducted in 2024, clowns interacting with hospitalized children awaiting surgery were found to significantly reduce the children's anxiety levels. Analysis of the children's saliva samples revealed elevated levels of oxytocin, the "bonding hormone" that increases feelings of trust and safety.

Other research has shown that laughter can lower levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline, a rapid-response hormone that raises blood pressure and heart rate, is quickly deactivated when laughter occurs, allowing people to relax. Cortisol, which induces longer-lasting stress, is also reduced through laughter, alleviating feelings of anxiety.

The social aspect of shared laughter appears to be key. Scans of friends watching comedy clips together have shown the release of endogenous opioids in the brain, which act as natural painkillers and keep people calm. Laughter serves as a reward system, encouraging people to spend more time in rewarding social company. Even chimpanzees use laughter-like vocalizations to nurture their social bonds through play and grooming.