How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 5-7 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I have a clinical phobia?

While this scale measures the intensity of your fear, it is intended for educational purposes and should be shared with a mental health professional for a formal diagnosis.

Can my results help me manage my anxiety?

Yes, by identifying which specific situations cause you the most distress, you can work on targeted interventions like exposure therapy or cognitive reframing.

Understand the psychological roots of your clown-related anxiety with this short assessment.

Fear Of Clowns Questionnaire

Unmasking the mysteries of clown-related fear and anxiety.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

Coulrophobia, or the intense fear of clowns, is a surprisingly common phenomenon that affects both children and adults. While clowns are traditionally intended to be figures of fun and entertainment, their exaggerated features and unpredictable behavior can trigger significant distress. This assessment is designed to help you explore your emotional and cognitive responses to these performers, much like our Anxiety Sensitivity Test helps identify general predispositions to fear.

By evaluating how you react to images, thoughts, and physical encounters with clowns, you can gain insight into whether your discomfort is a mild unease or a more deep-seated phobia. Understanding these triggers is the first step toward managing the "uncanny valley" effect that often makes painted faces feel threatening. If you find that specific visual or sensory cues often overwhelm you, you might also find our Misophonia Test helpful in identifying other unique sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 5-7 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Fear Of Clowns Questionnaire answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Fear Of Clowns Questionnaire results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I have a clinical phobia?: While this scale measures the intensity of your fear, it is intended for educational purposes and should be shared with a mental health professional for a formal diagnosis.
Can my results help me manage my anxiety?: Yes, by identifying which specific situations cause you the most distress, you can work on targeted interventions like exposure therapy or cognitive reframing.

Coulrophobia Assessment Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Fear Of Clowns

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I experience mental images of a clown trying to capture or get to me.

2. I feel a genuine sense of fear when I am in the presence of a clown.

3. Encountering a clown would cause me to feel a sense of panic.

4. Clowns represent one of my most significant personal fears.

5. I feel a sense of nervousness or unease just by seeing a clown.

6. My heart races and I begin to sweat when I am near a clown.

7. I would avert my gaze if I saw a picture of a clown.

8. I find myself scanning my surroundings for the presence of clowns.

9. Seeing a clown makes me worry about my personal safety.

10. Thoughts about clowns frequently occupy my mind.

11. I feel hesitant to revisit locations where I have previously encountered a clown.

12. I would go to great lengths to avoid any interaction with a clown.

13. I have intrusive thoughts about a clown potentially causing me harm.

14. An unexpected meeting with a clown would be highly distressing for me.

15. If I see a clown, the memory of it lingers in my mind for a long time.

16. I would immediately exit a room if a clown were present.

17. I have a fear that a clown might try to pursue or chase me.

18. I feel the need to seek reassurance from others when a clown is nearby.

19. I feel unsettled by the fact that a clown’s facial makeup hides their true expressions and intentions.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Fear Of Clowns Questionnaire Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Tyson, P. J., Davies, S. K., Scorey, S., & Greville, W. J. (2023). Fear of clowns: An investigation into the prevalence of coulrophobia in an international sample. International Journal of Mental Health, 52(1), 84-99.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.