Exploring the Benefits of Naturism on Mental and Sexual Health in Women

Dr. Vian Azi

Background Naturism defined as the practice of non-sexual social nudity, has received sizeable presence on social media and in press. Women experience disproportionate societal pressures regarding body image, often leading to self consciousness, body dissatisfaction, and reduced sexual confidence. This Review of Research articles explores naturism’s potential as a strategy for improving mental and sexual health for women by enhancing body positivity, self confidence, and intimacy-related attitudes

Objectives Methods

The study aims to assess the psychological and sexual health benefits of naturism among women, with specific attention to: Body image perception and self acceptance • Psychological well-being and stress regulation • Sexual satisfaction and intimacy related attitudes

• A review of existing literature and qualitative studies was conducted, analyzing the effects of naturist practices on mental and sexual health in women.

Search Strategy: PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and MDPI Keywords Used: Naturism, nudism, body image, sexual health, stress reduction, stigma, social nudity, women’s well-being Time Frame: Studies published between 2000 2025 Inclusion Criteria: Peer-reviewed studies examining naturism’s psychological and sexual health effects on women. Body Acceptance Improvements in body image perception, fostering greater self acceptance and reducing body-related shame. Stress Reduction lower cortisol levels, enhancing relaxation and overall psychological well being. Community & Social Belonging Interpersonal connections, reduce social anxiety, and reinforce positive body representation through diverse exposures Results Mental Health Improved body image and intimacy con dence Greater comfort with nudity, strengthening sexual self-assurance. Reduces Shame and stigma Exposure to diverse bodies normalizes imperfections. Open communicati on about sexual wellbeing Naturist settings encourage honest conversations, fostering healthier attitudes. Sexual Health Conclusion Naturism presents a valuable yet underexplored approach to addressing women’s mental and sexual health challenges. Findings suggest that naturist participation leads to increased self-confidence, stress reduction, and healthier attitudes toward intimacy. Despite cultural sensitivities, integrating naturist principles into psychosexual therapy and body positive healthcare may benefit individuals experiencing body-related distress. Naturism provides a research-backed, holistic approach to mental and sexual health improvement. • Future research should focus on larger, diverse populations, investigating clinical applications in healthcare settings. • Greater education on naturism can help normalize its practice, promoting body positivity and well-being. • • West, K. Naked and Unashamed: Investigations and Applications of the Effects of Naturist Activities on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction. J Happiness Stud 19, 677–697 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9846-1 • West, K., Kukawska, E. Good Nudes and Bad Nudes: How Naturism, Casual Stripping, and Sexting Predict Social Physique Anxiety and Body Appreciation. Sexuality & Culture 26, 2151–2170 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-022-09990-6 • West, K. (2021). I feel better naked: Communal naked activity increases body appreciation by reducing social physique anxiety. Journal of Sex Research, 58(8), 958–966. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2020.1764470 • COVER, R. (2003). The Naked Subject: Nudity, Context and Sexualization in Contemporary Culture. Body & Society, 9(3), 53-72. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357034X030093004 (Original work published 2003) • Soylemez, K.K.; Lusher, J.; Rachitskiy, M. Naturism Stigma Scale: Adaptation of a Standardised Measure of Stigma Towards Naturism. Psychol. Int. 2025, 7, 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint7010009 • Glenn Smith, Michael King, Naturism and sexuality: Broadening our approach to sexual wellbeing, Health &