Kretschmer typology

a controversial classification of individuals based on a “clear biological affinity” between specific physiques and specific personality tendencies. According to this classification, the short, stocky pyknic type tends to be jovial and subject to mood swings; the frail asthenic type is likely to be introversive and sensitive; the muscular athletic type is usually energetic and aggressive; and the disproportioned dysplastic type presents a combination of traits but tends toward the asthenic. These tendencies were attributed to endocrine secretions. [formulated in the 1920s by German psychiatrist Ernst Kretschmer (1888–1964)]

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Psychology term of the day

November 24th 2024

Cattell’s personality trait theory

an approach to personality description based on the identification of traits through factor analysis and their classification into surface traits and the 16 source traits that underlie them. [Raymond B. Cattell]