Body Image of Non-Clinical and Clinical Populations of Men

ABSTRACT

Body image is a complex, multidimensional construct incorporating neurophysiological and psychocultural components. This paper presents a review of the literature on the body image of clinical and non-clinical populations of men. The typical man with no measurable psychological or physical disability does not show body image disturbances. Although limited, there is some evidence that men with diagnoses frequently treated in occupational therapy do show body image disturbances. From a theoretical perspective body image is related psychologically and physically to the movements of body parts necessary for occupational performance. There is need for more empirical research establishing this relationship, particularly for men.