: Participation in naturist activities is a strong predictor of greater life satisfaction, mediated by higher self-esteem and a more positive body image. Core Philosophies

While naturism is a powerful tool for body acceptance, it is not therapy. If you suffer from severe Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or a history of sexual trauma, a nude beach might be overwhelming. In those cases, naturism should be a goal of recovery, not the starting point.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to adopting a naturist lifestyle is the cultural conflation of nudity with sexuality. For the allistic (non-naturist) public, naked = sex. This is a modern, Western, hyper-commercialized distortion.