A Study of the Body Image of Children with Chronic Renal Failure

This paper describes a study designed to evaluate the body image of children with chronic rental failure. The primary goal of the study was to gather baseline data on the effect of chronic renal failure on the developing body image of the child. The body image of sixteen subjects ranging for the ages of five to fifteen years was evaluated through the use of the Draw-A-Person Test, and the sub factor items of physical appearance of the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Index. The mental age and intellectual maturity of the subjects were determined by administering the Slossen Intelligence Test and Goddenought-Harris Test of Intellectual Maturity. Pertinent information such as chronological age, race, sex, and the length of the disease process was determine thought an interview and a review of medical records. Body image was not found to be significantly distorted. Mental age and intellectual maturity were found to be delayed. There were not significant differences in performance on any of the test of the children on dialysis versus the children not on dialysis. The development of both the body image and mental capacities seemed delayed. This indicates the need for further investigation of possible developmental delays in the child with chronic renal disease.