People who walk around naked at home may be revealing more than just their bodies. According to scientists, the habit could also indicate higher intelligence.
A study conducted by the University of Rochester in New York analyzed how everyday behaviors correlate with intellectual traits. Researchers used survey data from over 700 Americans collected in the 1990s, which recorded participants’ daily activities and personality traits. They then examined which behaviors were most closely linked to specific personality characteristics.
The study found that individuals who reported being naked at home more than 15 times a year tended to exhibit higher intelligence. While participants did not take IQ tests, their intellectual capacity was inferred from personality traits such as openness to new experiences, intellectual curiosity, and creativity.
Researchers suggest that walking around naked at home may be connected to high intellect because intelligence often encourages nonconformity. People with higher IQs may feel less pressure to adhere to societal norms or conform to expectations.
In addition to nudity at home, other behaviors linked to high intellect included playing musical instruments, producing art, attending the theater, speaking multiple languages, swearing in social settings, smoking marijuana, and even shooting a gun—a mentally stimulating activity requiring focus, discipline, and emotional control.
The researchers acknowledged a limitation: the data set included only individuals living in Oregon. They suggested expanding the study across different cultural groups to see if the findings hold true in other regions. The study was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
Separately, nudity has also been associated with increased happiness. Researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, examined social nudity and its effect on body image and overall life satisfaction. Their study, published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, found that naturists reported greater satisfaction with their bodies and lives.
Dr. Keon West and his team surveyed 850 participants in the UK, discovering that those who frequently practiced naturism experienced higher body confidence and overall happiness. Observations at naturist events showed immediate improvements in self-esteem, body image, and life satisfaction when participants were naked, reinforcing the psychological benefits of nudity.
“Naturists have long claimed these benefits,” Dr. West explained. “While many positive claims exist, empirical research has been limited. Our findings suggest that practicing naturism—not just holding certain beliefs—can genuinely improve happiness and mental well-being.”
