Physique and Character

work by Kretschmer

Also known as: “Körperbau und Charakter”

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July 1, 2026

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Ernst Kretschmer's work, Physique and Character, published in 1921, proposed a theory linking body types to personality and mental illness. Kretschmer identified three main body types: the asthenic (tall and thin), the athletic (muscular), and the pyknic (short and rotund). He suggested that asthenic and athletic builds were more commonly associated with schizophrenia, while the pyknic build was more often found in individuals with manic-depressive disorders. Kretschmer also theorized that slim physiques correlated with introversion, and heavier, shorter bodies with cyclothymic (moody but often extroverted) personalities. While influential, these correlations have not been strongly supported by subsequent empirical studies.12

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Ernst Kretschmer
…work, Körperbau und Charakter (1921; Physique and Character), advanced the theory that certain mental disorders were more common among people of specific physical types. Kretschmer posited three chief constitutional groups: the tall, thin asthenic type, the more muscular athletic type, and the rotund pyknic type. He suggested that the lanky…
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…work, Körperbau und Charakter (1921; Physique and Character), advanced the theory that certain mental disorders were more common among people of specific physical types. Kretschmer posited three chief constitutional groups: the tall, thin asthenic type, the more muscular athletic type, and the rotund pyknic type. He suggested that the lanky…
Read More

personality
Morphological (body type) theories
In his book Physique and Character, first published in 1921, he wrote that among his patients a frail, rather weak (asthenic) body build as well as a muscular (athletic) physique were frequently characteristic of schizophrenic patients, while a short, rotund (pyknic) build was often found among manic-depressive patients.…
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In his book Physique and Character, first published in 1921, he wrote that among his patients a frail, rather weak (asthenic) body build as well as a muscular (athletic) physique were frequently characteristic of schizophrenic patients, while a short, rotund (pyknic) build was often found among manic-depressive patients.…
Read More