Parental Perceptions of Children’s Modesty: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Ages Two to Ten Years

Abstract

Modesty has been defined as decorum in relation to physical nakedness, and sexual and eliminative behavior (Newson and Newson 1968). The connection between nakedness, sexuality, and modesty with respect to family members dates back millennia. Leviticus prohibited incest with the phrase, "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of ..." and then specified a lengthy list of forbidden relatives. We will review contemporary theories and research projects concerning modesty and then discuss the results of a study we designed in order to investigate age trends in the development of modesty.