Despite the recognized importance of imagery use by children as well as the
developmental relevance for maturity and health of imagery properties such
as vividness and control, only a few studies have investigated imagery of
children. The aim of the present study was to examine the development of co
ntrol of mental images in a sample of boys and girls aged 7 to 17 years. Ch
ildren were assessed on two aspects of mental imagery, vividness and contro
l, and teachers were asked to rate the children's intellectual and socioemo
tional performance. Analysis showed that the capacity for image control inc
reased in adolescence and that children characterized by vivid and uncontro
lled imagery received the lowest ratings from teachers, whereas those with
nonvivid and controlled imagery received the highest ratings. The implicati
ons of these results were discussed in relation to normal and abnormal deve
lopment as well as suggestions for research.