Naked and Unashamed: Investigations and Applications of the Effects of Naturist Activities on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction is a serious, global problem that negatively affects life satisfaction. Several claims have been made about the possible psychological benefits of naturist activities, but very little empirical research has investigated these benefits or any plausible explanations for them. In three studies-one large-scale, cross-sectional study (n = 849), and 2 prospective studies (n = 24, n = 100) this research developed and applied knowledge about the possible benefits of naturist activities. It was found that more participation in naturist activities predicted greater life satisfaction-a relationship that was mediated by more positive body image, and higher self-esteem (Study 1). Applying these findings, it was found that participation in actual naturist activities led to an increase in life satisfaction, an effect that was also mediated by improvements in body image and selfesteem (Studies 2 and 3). The potential benefits of naturism are discussed, as well as possible future research, and implications for the use of naturist activities.

Testing Hypersensitive Responses: Ethnic Minorities Are Not More Sensitive to Microaggressions, They Just Experience Them More Frequently

“…Finally, the 5-item Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener et al, 1985), which has been extensively used in prior research (Acun-Kapikiran, Korukcu, & Kapikiran, 2014;Swami, 2015;West, 2017), was used to measure participants' global life satisfaction. Participants indicated their agreement (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree) with 5 items (α = .83):…”

The Right to be Publicly Naked: A Defence of Nudism

“…These findings are pertinent, as improved body image has been shown to promote life satisfaction through its positive impact on self-esteem (Acun- Kapikiran et al 2014;Kostanski and Gullone 1998;Olivardia et al 2004;Paradise and Kernis 2002;Park et al 2014;Pujols et al 2010). Whereas Swami (2016) found that women who regularly participated in drawing sessions that featured live (naked) models had higher body appreciation, as well as a lower drive for thinness and lower social physique anxiety, West (2017) found that participation in naturist activities tends to conduce to a more positive image of one's own body (whereby seeing others naked was found to be to be more important than being seen naked by others).…”

“…A third source of support for the link between nudism and well-being is provided by empirical studies of the last few decades (e.g. Lewis and Janda 1988;Okami et al 1998;Okami 1995;Oleinick et al 1966;West 2017). Besides showing that exposure to (non-exhibitionist) public nudity lacks the detrimental psychological and behavioural effects commonly attributed to it, these studies have found that such exposure can have positive effects on well-being by promoting people's body image.…”

“…More recent studies have linked exposure to non-idealised nude bodies-i.e. bodies that do not meet the standards of thinness for women and muscularity for men that are commonly depicted in the media and advertisement-to improved body image (Swami 2016;West 2017). These findings are pertinent, as improved body image has been shown to promote life satisfaction through its positive impact on self-esteem (Acun- Kapikiran et al 2014;Kostanski and Gullone 1998;Olivardia et al 2004;Paradise and Kernis 2002;Park et al 2014;Pujols et al 2010).…”

The Effect of Naturism on Body Image and Interoceptive Awareness

“…Ungewitter (1913) in his nudity and culture book reported women were happier not feeling embarrassed about their bodies within naturist communities. The popularity of naturism is growing with up to a quarter of British people trying social nudity activities (West, 2018). Naturism has support from many governments in Europe and Scandinavia, most notably France where they promote benefits of respect for individual differences and body acceptance alongside collectivist benefits of spending time with family and friends in the most naturalistic environment possible (France, 2018a).…”