The topic of nudity and shame has been front and centre of many debates in modern times, especially owing to the rise of naturalism and the normalization of nudity in public spaces. This discussion, however, goes further than just simple, cultural nuances. It crosses over into the zone of mental health and psychology as the interplay between nudity, shame, and body image is critical in determining one’s mental well-being and overall self-perception. In this blog post, I will explore the concept of nudity and shame, backed with research and explanations rooted in contemporary psychology. We will also dig deeper with the help of references from authors and experts on the subject of human nudity and our psychology, so read on!
When it comes to nudity and shame, several reasons can bring these feelings up: fear of rejection, a social stigma, past negative experiences, insecurity, and conditioning. Therefore, it’s judgement, not nudity, which arouses shame in a person. In fact, nudity in itself is neutral and is not inherently shameful. As contemporary author Brené Brown explains, “Shame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging.” Thus it’s a personal belief and interpretation that triggers the formation of such feelings and emotions.
In recent times, there has been a surge in people embracing and normalizing nudity in the public sphere, and according to several contemporary author experts in notional therapy, it is a healthy practise for the human psyche. Psychotherapist and author Dr. Tina Basi explains, “Nudity and the subsequent emotional response act as excellent ways to explore a person’s innermost thoughts and attitudes towards themselves.” When we strip away the layers society has placed on us, we see our bodies more objectively, and through this observation, we can learn to love ourselves more. Moreover, it provides a platform to understand our relationship with our bodies and challenges us to accept ourselves for who we are, with all our imperfections.
However, past experiences and traumas are also significant contributing factors to how we view ourselves in relation to nudity and shame, often resulting in negative self-talk and body dissatisfaction. Contemporary author Dr. Jonice Webb, a clinical psychologist of more than twenty years’ experience, started coining the term “Childhood Emotional Neglect” through her book, “Running on Empty.” CEN refers to the absence of emotional nourishment such as love, validation, and understanding between parents and their children that may cause the child to grow up having little sense of themselves or their emotions. Such children may develop negative thoughts and emotions towards their bodies leading to low self-esteem or even self-harm.
Another critical factor in shaping how we perceive nudity is social conditioning. People born into a culture or society that deems nudity as taboo will invariably view it as such, without the freedom to explore its natural elements. American journalist and author Mark Haskell Smith explores many cultures’ attitude towards nudity in his book, “Naked at Lunch.” The book showcases the different beliefs societies have concerning nakedness across the world. According to Smith, nudity and genitalia are often depicted purely through an erotic lens, which may result in people feeling uncomfortable or ashamed to discuss them explicitly. Breaking the stigma surrounding nudity and genitalia in non-sexual settings is thus necessary as it often leads to a healthy and open approach towards nudity amongst individuals.
In conclusion, the concept of nudity and shame is not straightforward and two-pronged, with many different factors influencing how people interpret it. However, it’s important to understand that nudity and shame are not always linked, and the relationship between the two is shaped by social conditioning and other factors such as emotional neglect. Embracing nudity in both public and private settings can be incredibly empowering and contribute to a healthier, positive self-image. As authors in the contemporary psychological space acknowledge, working through our emotions and spirituality regarding nudity can lead to a better understanding of ourselves and help us conquer social stigma and dogma.
