Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists January 2016 | Page 3

Body Awareness Develops Throughout Childhood

The Journal of Experimental Child Psychology published research on the development of
multisensory body representation and awareness in older children (10-13 years old) using the
“the rubber hand illusion”. Previous research indicated that younger children (ages 4-9 years
old) represent the position of their own hand in external space by relying more on looking at
the hand, and less on proprioceptive input when compared to adults. The current study used
the rubber hand illusion to determine if 10-13 year olds balance visual and proprioceptive
inputs at an adult maturity level. Following the illusion, the participants had to point, with eyes
closed, to the perceived position of their hand.
The results indicated the following:
1. pointing responses reached adult levels at 10 to 11 years indicating that at this age children
perceive hand location using an adult-like balance of sensory cues.
The researchers concluded that the multisensory foundations of the bodily self develop
throughout early and mid-childhood, reaching an adult state by 10 to 11 years.
Reference: Cowie, D et al. The development of multisensory body representation and
awareness continues to 10 years of age: Evidence from the rubber hand illusion. Journal of
Experimental Child Psychology. Volume 142, February 2016, Pages 230–238.
Personal Space Journey
By: Your Therapy Source Inc
Summary: Collection of activities to teach children about
personal space including many body awareness exercises and a
social story on personal space. Find out more at
http://yourtherapysource.com/personalspacejourney.html

www.YourTherapySource.com