%0 Journal Article
%T Joy without demands: Hospital clowns in the world of ailing children
%A Lotta Linge
%J International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
%D 2011
%I Co-Action Publishing
%R 10.3402/qhw.v6i1.5899
%X 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.
%K Hospital clowns
%K ailing children
%K staff
%K healthcare
%K joy
%U http://www.ijqhw.net/index.php/qhw/article/view/5899/7882