Body images of one's self and of others: developmental and clinical significance

Abstract

The author presents a new concept of the term "body image." He also introduces the term "extraneous body image," i.e., one's mental representation of others' appearance and behavior. The formation of one's own and extraneous body images and their role in the development of self-concept, concept of others, interpersonal relationships, and mind-body interactions, as well as their clinical implications, are discussed.