It is plain to see from historical Greek artwork that the nude body was an object of admiration.

Gymnophobia, or thefear of nudity, is a highly personalized phobia that comes in many forms.

Yet others are comfortable with their own nakedness but fear the nudity of others.

Empty locker room showers

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In extreme cases, this fear can even lead toablutophobia, orfear of bathing or showering.

Causes

Gymnophobia can have many different causes.

It can also depend on personal experiences, social media pressures, and cultural expectations.

Trauma: A fear of being vulnerable or intimate can develop after being hurt in relationships.

If you have experienced a sexual assault, you are at higher risk forpost-traumatic stress disorderas well.

Treatment for Gymnophobia

Gymnophobia, like all phobias, responds well to a variety of treatment methods.

Or you may simply learn techniques forovercoming your current fearful thoughts.

Most Americans are uncomfortable getting undressed in front of strangers and very few join nudist camps.

Bespoke Surgical.The nudity confidence survey.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(5th ed., text revision); 2022.