Objective: This paper analyzed the methods of assessing the perception of body size discussed in scientific literature. Method: The information search was bases on computerized databases from 1975 to 2010 (Medline, Bireme, EBSCO and Scopus). We used the keyword "body image" and the combination of the terms "size perception" and "size estimation" for the scientific survey. Results: There were four methods found to evaluate and quantify the dimensional perception of the body by applying a body perception index. The methods differ in their form of execution, use tools, whether or not visual feedback from the evaluation, use of tactile stimulation or not to generate the response evaluated. Conclusion: The Image Marking Procedure (IMP) was appropriate for the evaluation of body size on eating disorders by the possibility of evaluating the degree of distortion of the body and specific body segments without visual and cognitive interference and any external referent compared to other tests that showed limitations on these aspects. We suggest that the IMP test could be used in future researches to assess the dimensional aspect of body perception.
Body image; perceptual distortion; size perception; eating disorders
