PsychologySelf and Personality

In Sheldon's typology of personality, the mesomorphs are described by…

In Sheldon's typology of personality, the mesomorphs are described by temperament as:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → energetic and courageous

Option (1) relaxed and sociable — Incorrect. This is the temperament of the endomorphs. Sheldon describes them as fat, soft and round in body build.

Option (2) energetic and courageous — Correct. Sheldon used body build and temperament to type people. The mesomorph has a strong, muscular, rectangular body and is energetic and courageous by temperament.

Option (3) brainy, artistic and introvert — Incorrect. This is the temperament of the ectomorphs, who are thin, long and fragile in body build.

Option (4) cooperative, unassertive and patient — Incorrect. These traits belong to the Type-C personality suggested by Morris, which is prone to cancer.

NCERT (2026-27): “Type Approaches …
Within psychology, the personality types given by Sheldon are fairly well-known. Using body build and temperament as the main basis, Sheldon proposed the Endomorphic, Mesomorphic, and Ectomorphic typology. The endomorphs are fat, soft and round. By temperament they are relaxed and sociable. The mesomorphs have strong musculature, are rectangular with a strong body build. They are energetic and courageous. The ectomorphs are thin, long and fragile in body build. They are brainy, artistic and introvert.”