'You're fully accepted': Being nude in public can make us feel better about our bodies

On Sunday, the BBC published an excellent article discussing how public nudity can make us feel better about our bodies.

Led by Kerem Soylemez, assistant professor of psychology at Regent's University London, and Marina Rachitskiy, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Roehampton, the article draws on interviews with British Naturism members Linda Ashmore, Martha Vickery and Women’s Officer Helen Berriman to discuss how taking their clothes off has helped people overcome body dysmorphia and negative feelings about their bodies.

With over half of adults feeling pressure to conform to a particular body type, and 1 in 8 adults experiencing suicidal thoughts due to poor body image, this is not a niche issue. The mental health crisis is one of the largest healthcare challenges facing society, and if something as simple as nudity can help us take a small step towards a solution, it is worth listening.

The location of this story is significant. It is published on BBC Future, a part of the BBC focused on truth, facts and science. As they say: “We take the time to think. And we don't accept — we ask why.”

That means that, unlike many news stories that can play to the emotions of readers, BBC Future articles are researched and informed by evidence. In addition to the two lead academic authors, the piece draws on the work of Professor Keon West, with whom British Naturism has previously worked on the positive psychological impact of nudity.

This is the second week in a row that we have reported on psychological research and stories, so the message is clear. Nudity can be good for us. Used constructively, it can improve our body appreciation and wellbeing.

But don’t take our word for it. Head over to the BBC and read the article for yourself now.