Theodor Waitz (17 March 1821 – 21 May 1864) was a German psychologist and anthropologist.

His research in psychology brought him into touch with anthropology, and he will be best remembered by his monumental work in six volumes, Die Anthropologie der Naturvölker ("The anthropology of peoples that live close to nature").

[1] Waitz was born at Gotha and educated at the universities of Leipzig and Jena.

[1] Theodor Waitz contributed significantly as an affective psychologist, particularly in the field of conceptualizing boredom.

[3] The first four volumes of his Anthropologie der Naturvölker appeared at Leipzig, 1859–64, the last two were issued posthumously, edited by Georg Gerland.