Internal body image among middle and older aged adults with health alterations

Abstract

Ten middle and older aged adults, recently hospitalized at a local community hospital with health alterations, participated in testing of their knowledge of internal human anatomy and physiological function. Testing methods included use of the Mini-Mental Status Exam, screening for cognitive impairment prior to testing, then the Inside-the-Body Test and Interview. A strong correlation was shown to exist between know ledge of internal anatomy and knowledge of function. The size of the sample (N=lO) was a limiting factor in this study. Future recommendations for similar studies include using a larger, more economically, culturally diverse population sample, and comparing Internal Body Image (IBI) among adults with health alterations, and those adults considered healthy.