Accuracy and stability of self-image of mentally-retarded adults

The accuracy and stability of self-image of 21 mentally retarded adults an 24 nonretarded adults were studied. The subjects were confronted with a distorting mirror that made their faces look either fatter or slimmer. Results showed that retarded adults saw themselves as more distorted than did nonretarded adults. Significant sex differences in the retarded population were found. Both the precision and the stability of retarded adults’ self-image were significantly correlated with IQ. Results were interpreted within a cognitive framework.