NUDISM

also called Naturism, the practice of going without clothes, generally for reasons of health or comfort. Nudism is commonly a social practice in which the sexes interact freely but without engaging in sexual activities. The origin of the practice in Germany in the early 20th century coincided with a rebellion against the rigid moral attitudes of the late 19th century. Nudism spread through Europe after World War I and became established in North America during the 1930s; in the United States and Canada, however, the practice has remained restricted to a few secluded camps and beaches. The atmosphere of these camps is generally deliberately nonerotic, and most are governed by strict rules of conduct. Although public nudity of varying degrees has become increasingly common in the latter part of the 20th century, nudism still is not widely accepted. Most nudists are adults, although families sometimes participate. Adults who practice nudism have been found to be psychologically healthy, but the impact of nudism on children is a subject of dispute among psychologists.