Social skills and somatotype

The hypothesis that somatotype is closely related to social skills and that the response of patients with social disability to social skills training might also relate to these genetically controlled factors has been supported. Twenty‐one subjects seeking treatment for social phobia were assessed by interview, videotape, diary, and somatotype measures. Ectomorphs used less non‐verbal communication and endomorphs were more restless. Women used fewer gestures but their speech was less hesitant than men. Social skills training benefited the shorter, plumper physique more than the linear ectomorph and, to some extent, and independently, the older subjects.