BODY-IMAGE IN CHRONIC ILLNESS - A RECONCEPTUALIZATION

Objective: Was to construct a classification system of the body image specifically relevant to patient experience of chronic physical disord er. Method: To review both previous writings on body image and also da ta on psychosocial factors relevant to a variety of chronic illnesses. From this were derived four component parts of body image: comfort, c ompetence, appearance and predictability. These are discussed in gener al and disease-specific terms. Results: Using this format, a classific ation system is offered. This is intended to be simple enough for rout ine clinical use and yet to offer some insight into body experience. A n example is given. Conclusion: Separating out the aspects of body ima ge relevant to physical illness provides a clinically useful classific ation system. Further work is needed to determine its applicability as a research tool.