Body Image in Adulthood: A Projective Approach

Abstract

A sample of 210 persons varying by age (young adults, middle-aged, older adults), gender, and relationship status (single or involved) were administered the Holtzman Inkblot Technique (HIT) and Geriatric Draw-A-Person (G–DAP) to ascertain projectively assessed aspects of body image in adulthood. Results suggested that both the HIT and G–DAP were sensitive to the effects of age and gender, wherein young adults scored higher on both HIT Barrier and Penetration than both middle-aged or older adults. In addition, G–DAP scorns favored young adults. Hilt Penetration scores varied by both age and relationship status.