Sheldon's Somatotypes Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is Sheldon’s Somatotypes Theory?
A theory that classifies human physiques into three body types—endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph—each associated with specific personality traits.
What are the three somatotypes according to Sheldon?
Endomorph, Mesomorph, and Ectomorph.
What physical and personality traits are associated with an Endomorph?
Physically round and soft; personality is sociable, relaxed, and comfort-loving.
What physical and personality traits are associated with a Mesomorph?
Muscular and athletic body; personality is bold, assertive, and adventurous.
What physical and personality traits are associated with an Ectomorph?
Thin and fragile body; personality is introverted, thoughtful, and self-conscious.
Who developed the Somatotypes Theory and when?
William Sheldon in the 1940s.
What was the main idea behind linking body types and personality?
Sheldon believed that biological structure influenced temperament and behavior.
What criticism is commonly made about Sheldon’s theory?
It’s considered overly simplistic and lacks scientific support for its claims.
What was the purpose of Sheldon’s somatotype study?
To investigate the relationship between body types and personality traits.
What method did Sheldon use in his study?
He analyzed photographs of 4,000 male college students, rating their bodies on a scale from 1 to 7 for each somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy).
How did Sheldon quantify somatotypes in his study?
He assigned a 3-number rating (e.g., 7-1-1 for pure endomorph), showing the degree of each somatotype in an individual.
What did Sheldon claim based on his findings?
That certain personality traits are consistently linked to specific body types.
