William Herbert Sheldon

William Herbert Sheldon (November 19, 1898 – September 17, 1977) was an American psychologist and numismatist. He is best known for his theory of body types, also known as somatotypes, and for his work in personality psychology. Sheldon's theories, particularly those related to body types and their association with temperament and personality, have been controversial and have undergone significant criticism over the years.

Early Life and Education

William Herbert Sheldon was born in Warwick, Rhode Island. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island, where he developed an interest in psychology. Sheldon went on to earn his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Chicago in 1926. His doctoral work focused on the psychology of numismatics, or coin collecting, which remained a lifelong interest and area of expertise.

Career and Research

After completing his doctorate, Sheldon held various academic positions, including a tenure at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. However, it was his work on somatotypes that garnered the most attention and became the focus of his career.

Sheldon proposed that there are three primary body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. According to his theory, these body types are linked to specific personality traits:

• Ectomorphs, characterized by a thin, linear appearance, were associated with introversion and intellectualism.
• Mesomorphs, with a muscular and well-built physique, were thought to be more aggressive and assertive.
• Endomorphs, who have a rounder body, were believed to be more sociable and relaxed.

Sheldon attempted to substantiate his theory through the use of photography, analyzing thousands of photographs of individuals to classify them according to his somatotype categories. He also developed the Sheldon Scale, a method to rate the physique on a scale of 1 to 7 for each body type.

Controversies and Criticism

Sheldon's work, particularly his theories on the relationship between body types and personality, has been widely criticized. Critics argue that his research lacked scientific rigor and that his conclusions were often based on subjective judgments rather than objective measurements. Furthermore, the idea that physical characteristics can determine personality traits has been criticized for its deterministic implications and potential for reinforcing stereotypes.

Despite these criticisms, Sheldon's concept of somatotypes has found some application in the fields of sports science and physical education, where it is used to discuss body composition and physical potential.

Legacy

While Sheldon's theories on somatotypes and personality have largely fallen out of favor in contemporary psychology, his work remains a point of reference in discussions on the history of personality psychology and the intersection of physical and psychological traits. Sheldon's contributions to numismatics are also recognized, with his Sheldon Scale remaining in use among coin collectors.

Selected Publications

• Sheldon, W.H. (1940). The Varieties of Human Physique: An Introduction to Constitutional Psychology. New York: Harper & Brothers.
• Sheldon, W.H. (1942). The Varieties of Temperament: A Psychology of Constitutional Differences. New York: Harper & Brothers.

See Also

• Body image
• Physical fitness
• Personality psychology