Parental Perceptions of Children’s Modesty: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Ages Two to Ten Years

Abstract

Modesty has been defined as decorum in relation to physical nakedness, and sexual and eliminative behavior (Newson and Newson 1968). The connection between nakedness, sexuality, and modesty with respect to family members dates back millennia. Leviticus prohibited incest with the phrase, "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of ..." and then specified a lengthy list of forbidden relatives. We will review contemporary theories and research projects concerning modesty and then discuss the results of a study we designed in order to investigate age trends in the development of modesty.

Child and Adolescent Sex Abuse Perpetrators: A Review of The Research Literature

“…Bremer's (1993) "Continuum" of sexualised behaviours may provide the basis for further work. There are very few studies of the sexual experiences of "normal" girls and boys, and their attitudes to these experiences (Rosenfeld et al, 1984). Some authors have already set out 750 E. Vizard et at. possible definitions for sexually abusive behaviour among the young (Groth 8c Loredo, 1981;Becker et al, 1986a): future work should consolidate such leads.…”

Sexual orientation and military service: A social science perspective.

“…Heterosexual military personnel may dislike sharing private settings with lesbians or gay men as part of a general wish not to be viewed in a state of undress or in private functions by anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Some people prefer not to be seen undressed or engaging in private functions by heterosexuals of their own gender (e.g., Vivona & Gomillion, 1972), members of their immediate family (Parke & Sawin, 1979;Rosenfeld et al, 1984), and even sexual partners (Brecher, 1984;Kinsey et al, 1948;Kinsey et al, 1953). Military life, however, has traditionally demanded adaptation from such individuals.…”

How Children Learn About Sex: A Cross-Species and Cross-Cultural Analysis

“…Higher levels of sexual activity were reported among children who were exposed to higher levels of nudity within the family (Friedrich et al, 1991). Parents who encouraged nudity were also more physically affectionate with their children (Rosenfeld et al, 1984) and touching parental genitalia and mother's breasts was associated with bathing withparents (Rosenfeld, Bailey, Siegel, &Bailey, 1986). Western parents limit these contacts when the child's curiosity is interpreted as sexual (Rosenfeld, Siegel, & Bailey, 1987).…”