2017/01/21 by Keon West · 2 citations
Mathematics · Medicine · Psychology · #Animal and Plant Science Education #Behavioral Health and Interventions #Eating Disorders and Behaviors #Empirical research #Happiness #Life satisfaction #Mathematics #Medicine #Positive psychology #Psychology #Public health #Quality of Life Research #Scale (ratio) #Self-esteem #Social psychology #Subjective well-being
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s10902-017-9846-1
openalex publication_date 2017/01/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
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 self-esteem (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.