Abstract
In order to study the development of body image, 16 children aged 2 months to 8 years were tested to determine their levels of cognitive development on the basis of Piaget's theory, and their responses to their true and distorted mirror images. The study indicates a definite characteristic response by children according to their levels of cognitive development. This corresponds to infantile anxieties appropriate to the psychoanalytic theory of object relationships. The theoretical and clinical implications of the study are discussed.
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We are indebted to the valuable assistance provided for this study by Dr. Prasanna Nair, Director of the University of Maryland's Community Pediatric Center. A full description of the tests and levels of functions applicable to this study will be provided on request. A full description of the subjects' characteristics by level is also available on request.
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Modarressi, T., Kenny, T. Children's response to their true and distorted mirror images. Child Psych Hum Dev 8, 94–101 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01463618
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01463618