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universidade lusófona

The Impact of Healthcare Clowning Interventions on the Socio-Emotional Well-Being of Humanitarian Field Workers

Status

Ongoing

Acronym

H.A.H.A.! – Humor and Arts for Humanitarian Actors

Project Reference
Start

Unknown

End

Unknown

Funding Total
Consortium
Participants
This project investigates the impact of healthcare clowning and arts-based
interventions on the socio-emotional well-being of humanitarian field workers
supporting refugees in Lesvos, Greece. Humanitarian professionals working in crisis contexts are frequently exposed to high levels of stress, emotional exhaustion, and secondary trauma. The study evaluates whether a humor-based intervention—a two-hour “Humor Relief Workshop” led by trained healthcare clowns—can improve psychological well-being, interpersonal connectedness, and coping strategies among field workers.Using a quasi-experimental mixed-methods design, the research combines standardized psychological questionnaires, qualitative interviews, focus groups with NGO coordinators, and physiological stress indicators. Data are collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a short-term follow-up (3–4 weeks). The project aims to generate evidence on the role of arts-based practices in supporting mental health in humanitarian contexts and to inform policies and practices that promote sustainable and supportive working environments for humanitarian professionals.