Physical Attractiveness and Types of Nonverbal Communication

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Physical attractiveness is one of the types of nonverbal communication.

There have been numerous studies on body type and personality, most notably that of William Sheldon (1898-1977). They have also been debunked. However it turns out that sometimes body types can communicate meanings and even fuel stereotypes. The body types actually create stereotypes even though they do not determine personality.

Scientifically there are considered to be three general body types.

Ectomorphs

Endomorphs

Mesomorphs

Ectomorphs:

Appearance

Delicate Built Body
Flat Chest
Fragile looking
Lean
Tall
Thin
Long limbs
Long necks
Long faces
Long fingers and toes
Long thin boney hands
Lightly Muscled
Small Shouldered
Takes Longer to Gain Muscle

Stereotype Tense, anxious, reticent, self conscious.

Mesomorphs:

Appearance

Hard Body
Muscular
Athletic
Hourglass Shaped (Female)
Rectangular Shaped (Male)
Mature Muscle Mass
Muscular Body
Excellent Posture
Gains Muscle Easily
Gains Fat More Easily Than Ectomorphs
Thick Skin

Stereotype

Leaders
Energetic
Communicators

Endomorphs

Appearance

Round
Soft
Overweight
Short tapering limbs
Small hands
Small feet

Stereotype

Complacent
Warm
Sociable

Combination Body Types

Some bodies are are a combination or the basic types. Some may be one body type with traits of the others.

Glasses

Research on college students some years ago found people wearing glasses were thought to have higher intelligence and be more industrious.

Other studies have found those wearing glasses are associated with closed mindedness, clumsiness and being religious.

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