by John Hobbs

Created on: January 16, 2009   Last Updated: January 17, 2009

The study of criminal behaviour relies on the general notion that, there are certain acts consistent across the majority of societies that can be classed as criminal. Furthermore, these actions must be closely related to delinquent behaviour and even to the extent of being immoral. To identify characteristics of those who exhibit criminal behaviour we need to use conventional methodology consistently used in personality research. This involves finding individual differences in trait and response. In this case these factors need be identified between criminals and non-criminals and this has been a common approach from all different perspectives of psychology regarding criminal behaviour.

Furthermore, to argue this statement that criminal behaviour is largely determined by genetics, the strengths and empirical evidence supporting genetic-based theories will be assessed. For comparison, the proven effectiveness of genetic-based theories in determining a criminal personality will be assessed along with other potential causes of criminal behaviour.
One of the more popular genetic-based theories for criminality comes from Sheldon who proposed the idea that there are three variations of body type (somatotypes). Furthermore, these three body types are argued to have distinct traits which define their personality. The Mesomorphic' body type is stated as being broad /muscular with a competitive, adventurous and more interestingly; aggressive personality. The Ectomorphic' body type in contrast is fragile/thin with a restrained and introverted personality. Finally, the other body type is Endomorphic' which can be described as soft/round with a sociable and outgoing personality. All of these body type/personality descriptions were the product of his own research (Sheldon,1942).

The basis of this theory in regard to criminal personality makes the assumption that those with a mesomorphic body type are more prone to delinquency and criminal activity (aggressive personality). There is a wealth of empirical evidence to support this theory including a study by Sheldon himself who used a sample of over four-hundred males in criminal rehabilitation. From the results of this study he found an overwhelming majority of the sample taken were mesomorphs. In contrast, there was a distinct lack of ectomorphs who are portrayed as having a personality, almost directly opposite to that of individuals with a mesomorphic body type (Sheldon, 1949).

These finding were followed up by a later more

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