John B. Calhoun

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John B. Calhoun
John Calhoun (age 69) in the fall of 1986 at the baby shower of his first grandchild.
Born	(1917-05-11)May 11, 1917 Elkton, Tennessee, U.S.
Died	September 7, 1995 (1995-09-08) (aged 78)
Occupation	ethologist
Known for	Behavioral sink theory

John Bumpass Calhoun (May 11, 1917 – September 7, 1995) was an American ethologist and behavioral researcher noted for his studies of population density and its effects on behavior. He claimed that the bleak effects of overpopulation on rodents were a grim model for the future of the human race. During his studies, Calhoun coined the term "behavioral sink" to describe aberrant behaviors in overcrowded population density situations and "beautiful ones" to describe passive individuals who withdrew from all social interaction. His work gained world recognition. He spoke at conferences around the world and his opinion was sought by groups as diverse as NASA and the District of Columbia's Panel on overcrowding in local jails. Calhoun's rat studies were used as a basis in the development of Edward T. Hall's 1966 proxemics theories.^{[citation needed]}