Image de soi et déficience mentale – Perspective théorique et expérimentale

The authors reviewed some theoretical perspectives in the study of self-percpetion in mentally retarded adults and proposed one based on a cognitive framework. From an experimental point of view, they studied the accuracy and stability of self-image in 21 mental retarded adults and 24 non retarded adults by confronting them with a distorting mirror making their faces look either fatter or slimmer. The results show that mentally retarded adults distorted themselves more than adults of average intelligence. Both the precision and the stability of self-image in mentally retarded adults were correlated with I.Q. and subjects’ degree of autonomy.