Now we know

Dr Keon West, from Goldsmiths, University of London, revealed the naked truth after investigating the psychological effects of nudism. Casting off clothes as well as cares may be the key to happiness and well-being, his research suggests. 

For a long time many people, even health professionals, assumed that public nudity was a sign of psychological dysfunction. This perception has stuck even though an increasing number of people are now taking part in clothes-free activities. 

The findings certainly indicate that naturism appears to have positive effects, not negative ones. As such, Dr West suspects that it could offer a low-cost, widely available solution to the problem of body dissatisfaction. “At the very least”, he concludes, “this is worth investigating”.

Naked and unashamed: Investigations and applications of the effects of naturist activities on body image, self-esteem and life satisfaction by Dr Keon West 

My own ‘investigation’ began over fifty years ago, and I have never doubted for a moment that the effects have been positive.