Standardised Stigma Measure (SSM)

Preliminary Response Insights

English and French Editions

The Standardised Stigma Measure (SSM) is an ongoing public perception survey designed to measure attitudes, beliefs, and perceived stigma relating to:

• Nudisme

• Naturisme

• Public nudity in designated areas

This page presents early qualitative insights drawn from open-ended responses in both the English and French editions of the survey, together with preliminary combined quantitative indicators.

These findings are preliminary. Expanded statistical analysis will be published as the dataset continues to grow.

Preliminary Quantitative Indicators

(Combined English and French Averages)

The following figures represent combined percentage averages across the English and French editions of the SSM.

Q7 – “NaturismRE is often misunderstood by society.”

85% agree (Agree or Strongly Agree) that NaturismRE is often misunderstood.

This indicates a strong perception that misunderstanding remains widespread.

Q8 – “Public nudity is usually inappropriate.”

59% disagree (Disagree or Strongly Disagree) that public nudity is usually inappropriate.
16% agree.
26% remain neutral.

This suggests a majority of respondents do not automatically frame public nudity as inappropriate.

Q9 – “Naturism is primarily about sexuality.”

87% reject (Disagree or Strongly Disagree) the idea that naturism is primarily about sexuality.
6% agree.
7% remain neutral.

This result directly challenges one of the most persistent public stereotypes.

Overview of Early Qualitative Themes

Analysis of open-ended responses reveals several recurring patterns across both language editions.

1. Sexualisation as a Primary Stigma Factor

Many respondents identify confusion between nudity and sexuality as a central contributor to stigma.

Common observations include:

• Public association of naturism with pornography or sexual behaviour

• Difficulty separating nudity from sexual intent

• Perception shaped by commercial media and adult content

This theme appears consistently across responses.

2. Media Representation

A number of participants describe media portrayal as:

• Sensationalised

• Trivialised

• Framed as eccentric or comedic

• Using double meanings or provocative headlines

Some respondents note limited public correction of inaccurate or misleading representations.

3. Legal and Institutional Constraints

Respondents referenced structural barriers such as:

• Restrictive public decency laws

• Fear of legal consequences

• Social media content restrictions

• Limited officially recognised spaces

This suggests that stigma may be reinforced by institutional and regulatory environments.

4. Social and Family Impact

Several participants described personal consequences including:

• Practicing naturism privately or in secrecy

• Family disagreement or relationship strain

• Concern regarding harassment or misuse of mobile cameras

• Gender imbalance concerns within communities

These responses indicate that stigma can have tangible interpersonal effects.

5. Community Reflection and Education

Some respondents emphasised:

• The need for clearer public education

• Distinction between naturism and sexual activism

• Greater communication from organised groups

• The importance of research-based dialogue

This internal reflection contributes to a more balanced dataset.

Methodological Clarification

The SSM:

• Does not promote behaviour

• Does not advocate participation in naturism

• Does not endorse policy positions

It measures perceptions, attitudes, and perceived stigma.

Participation is anonymous and voluntary.

The quantitative indicators shown above represent preliminary combined averages from the English and French editions. Full weighted statistical breakdowns will be released once the dataset reaches higher comparative thresholds.

Ongoing Participation

The survey remains open.

Public participation is invited at:
naturismre.com/ssm

Research initiative by NRE Health, NaturismRE.

Last updated: 14 February 2026