GEN 002: Understanding the Self

Module #6
The Cognitive Construction of Self
Carl Rogers was a humanistic psychologist who
had this assumption that for a person to "grow"
he must need an environment that can
provide him with openness and self-
disclosure.

Authenticity: The quality of being genuine and

1. Openness and Self Disclosure: true to one's real self, values, and beliefs. It
involves acting in ways that are consistent with
Rogers believed that for individuals to grow one's true identity.
and develop optimally, they need an
environment characterized by openness and Congruence: The state of alignment or harmony
self-disclosure. This means that people should between an individual's real self and ideal self. It
feel free to express themselves authentically involves consistency between one's self-
without fear of judgment or rejection. perception and experiences.
Genetics: The hereditary characteristics passed
from parents to offspring, which contribute to an
2. Basic Motive Self-Actualization: individual's physical and, to some extent,
Rogers posited that every person has a psychological traits.
fundamental motive, which is the desire to Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from
self-actualize. Self-actualization refers to the difficulties and maintain mental and emotional
process of realizing one's full potential, strength. It is enhanced by a harmonious balance
talents, and abilities, and striving to become between the real self and the ideal self.
the best version of oneself.
Self-Actualization: The process of realizing and
fulfilling one's potential, talents, and abilities. It
3. Congruence or Balance: involves striving to become the best version of
oneself and achieving personal growth and
Rogers believed that a crucial aspect of self- meaningful goals.
actualization is achieving congruence or
congruency. This means being in harmony or Self-Disclosure: The act of revealing personal
alignment between one's real self (who they information, thoughts, and feelings to others. It is
currently are) and their ideal self (who they a key component in building trust and intimacy in
aspire to be). relationships.
Upbringing: The treatment and instruction
received by a child from their parents throughout
REAL SELF their childhood, which significantly shapes their
The real self refers to who we truly are, real self.
encompassing our actual traits, behaviors,
strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, values, and
experiences.
IDEAL SELF
The ideal self refers to the version of
ourselves that we aspire to be or believe we
should be. It comprises the qualities, traits,
behaviors, and achievements that we idealize
and strive towards.
GEN 002: Understanding the Self Independence vs. Interdependence:
Individualist self-concepts emphasize
Module #7
independence and autonomy, whereas collectivist
Individualistic versus Collectivist self-concepts emphasize interdependence,
cooperation, and mutual support.
Self
Self-Expression vs. Social Obligation: In
Western cultures, individuals are encouraged to
express their opinions and pursue personal goals,
Individualist Self vs. Collectivist Self: A
while in Eastern cultures, individuals may
Cultural Perspective
prioritize social obligations and responsibilities to
Individualist Self (Western Thought) maintain group harmony.

Individualism is a philosophy of life emphasizing

the priority of a person's need over group, an
emphasis on individuality. In Western cultures,
such as those in Europe and North America, the
individualist self is characterized by a strong
emphasis on personal goals, achievements,
and autonomy.

Collectivist Self (Eastern Thought)

Collectivism represents a preference for a Individualist Self (Western Thought): This is a
tightly knit social network in which a person way of thinking that focuses on the needs and
can expect their family and other relatives of the desires of the individual over the group. In
social group to look after them in exchange for western cultures, like those in Europe and North
unquestioned loyalty. The loyalty of the family America, people value personal goals,
is highly stressed. achievements, and independence. It means doing
Eastern cultures, including those in East Asia, things on your own, valuing your own success,
emphasize collectivist self-concepts, where and focusing more on yourself and your
individuals prioritize the needs and goals of the immediate family. Key values include
group over personal desires. They value group independence, self-reliance, personal freedom,
harmony. and expressing one's own identity.

Interconnectedness: the collectivist self is Collectivist Self (Eastern Thought): This is a

characterized by a sense of interconnectedness way of thinking that emphasizes the importance
with family, community, and society, where of the group over the individual. In Eastern
relationships and social harmony are paramount. cultures, like those in East Asia, people value
family, community, and social harmony. The focus
Group Identity: Individuals derive their sense of is on the needs and goals of the group, and
self from their roles within the larger social individuals derive their sense of self from their
context, such as family, community, or nation, relationships and roles within the larger social
rather than solely from personal attributes. context. Key values include interconnectedness,
group harmony, loyalty to family, and fulfilling
social obligations.
Key Contrasts:
Key Contrasts Between Individualist and
Collectivist Self:

Focus on the Individual vs. Focus on the o Focus on the Individual vs. Focus on the
Group: Western individualist cultures prioritize Group: Western cultures prioritize individual
individual rights, freedoms, and self-expression, rights, freedoms, and self-expression, while
while Eastern collectivist cultures prioritize group Eastern cultures prioritize group cohesion, social
cohesion, social harmony, and interdependence. harmony, and interdependence.
o Independence vs. Interdependence: 1. Cultural Norms - Different cultures have
Individualist cultures emphasize being varying norms and ideals. In some parts of the
independent and making one's own decisions, Philippines, fair or light skin has long been
while collectivist cultures emphasize working considered a 'beauty ideal' in the Philippines,
together, cooperation, and mutual support. influenced in part by historical notions of beauty
during colonial periods. Lighter skin tones are
o Self-Expression vs. Social Obligation:
often associated with higher social status and are
In Western cultures, individuals are encouraged
commonly portrayed as desirable in media and
to express their own opinions and pursue advertising.
personal goals. In Eastern cultures, individuals
often prioritize their responsibilities to the group 2. Media - Media significantly impacts our body
and maintain harmony. image by promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
For example, many skincare ads feature models
with flawless skin promoting the idea that perfect
GEN 002: Understanding the Self skin is achievable through their products. These
ads often create unrealistic expectations about
Module #8 what is considered 'normal' skin.
The Physical Self: The Impact of 3. The Closest to us - Family and friends -
Culture on Body Image Negative comments from family and friends can
have a significant impact on our body image, as
they are often people we trust and look to for
validation and support.
The physical self is all about your body and what
makes you unique physically. It includes things
like how tall you are, your body shape, your facial
features, how strong you are, and even how you 1. Body Dissatisfaction - Feeling unhappy or
experience sensations like touch, taste, and displeased with one's body size, shape, or
smell. appearance. This dissatisfaction can lead to
negative thoughts and emotions about oneself.
Body image refers to how individuals perceive,
think, and feel about their physical appearance 2. Social Comparison - Comparing one's body to
and body. It includes their thoughts, beliefs, others, often based on unrealistic beauty
attitudes, and emotions related to their body size, standards promoted in media and society. This
shape, features, and overall attractiveness. can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, or
pressure to conform to idealized body images.
1. Genes - Many physical traits, such as eye
color, hair color, height, and bone structure, are 3. Eating Disorders - Extreme behaviors related
directly influenced by your genetic makeup. to food intake and weight control, such as
Genes can influence physical abilities such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-
athletic performance, coordination, and muscle eating disorder. These disorders often stem from
strength. distorted body image perceptions and can have
severe physical and psychological
2. Self-care - Taking care of oneself has a consequences.
significant impact on physical well-being across
various dimensions, encompassing aspects such 4. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) - A mental
as diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, health disorder characterized by obsessive
hygiene, preventive healthcare, and mental thoughts about perceived flaws or defects in one's
health. appearance. Individuals with BDD may engage in
compulsive behaviors or seek excessive cosmetic
3. Culture - Different cultures have varying norms procedures to "fix" perceived flaws.
and ideals regarding body size, shape, and
beauty. These cultural standards can influence 5. Avoidance Behaviors - Avoiding social
individuals' perceptions of their own bodies and situations, activities, or clothing that may highlight
what is considered acceptable or desirable. perceived flaws and contribute to social isolation.
This avoidance can limit participation in enjoyable
activities and contribute to social isolation.
 The Diderot Effect
Denis Diderot, a French philosopher, came up
with the Diderot Effect articulated in an essay
entitled "Regrets on Parting with my Old Dressing
Gown".
The essay tells Diderot's fictitious account of
being gifted by a friend with a beautiful dressing
gown. Happy at first about the new item, he later
on realizes that he has developed a nagging urge
to replace all his material possessions back
home, as they suddenly begin to look and feel
inferior to the goods in question.
• Body Dissatisfaction: The feeling of being
unhappy or displeased with one's body size, Needs and Wants
shape, or appearance. This dissatisfaction can
lead to negative thoughts and emotions about "Necessity is the mother of consumption"
oneself. essentially means that people tend to consume or
buy things when they feel they need them. This
• Body Image: How individuals perceive, think, need can arise from various factors such as basic
and feel about their physical appearance. It survival needs, like food, water, and shelter.
includes thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and emotions
related to their body size, shape, features, and However, it's essential to recognize that not all
overall attractiveness. consumption is driven solely by necessity.
People also consume things for pleasure,
• Genes: Units of heredity that contribute to an convenience, social status, self-expression, and
individual's physical traits, such as eye color, hair various other reasons.
color, height, and bone structure. Genes can also
influence physical abilities and the development Wants are desires or preferences for things or
of physical disabilities. experiences that enhance quality of life, comfort,
pleasure, or enjoyment. They are not essential for
• Self-Care: Activities and practices that survival but contribute to overall well-being and
individuals engage in to maintain and improve satisfaction.
their physical well-being, including diet, exercise,
sleep, stress management, hygiene, preventive
healthcare, and mental health care.

GEN 002: Understanding the Self

Module #9
The Economic and Material Self:
Living in a Material World

Material or Economic self is defined as the • Financial Well-being: The state of financial
extension of our physical self because the stability, security, and health achieved through
possession that we have is considered as an prudent financial management, budgeting, and
external representation of who we are. Material wise decision-making regarding spending and
possessions, such as clothing, accessories, saving.
gadgets, and vehicles, are physical objects that
we interact with daily. • Material Self: An extension of our physical
identity represented by our material possessions
such as clothing, gadgets, vehicles, etc., which
reflect our tastes, preferences, and lifestyle
choices.
• Self-Control: The ability to regulate one's Religions Views on Self
impulses, desires, and behaviors, particularly
Religion is a set of beliefs, practices, and rituals
concerning consumption or indulgence in non-
essential items. followed by a group of people. It often involves
faith in a higher power or powers, such as God or
• Social Signifiers: Symbols or indicators, often gods, and can include specific teachings about
material possessions, that convey one's social morality, the afterlife, and the purpose of life.
status, wealth, or success within a society.
HINDUISM-Teaches that the self, known as
• The Diderot Effect: A phenomenon, named Atman, is eternal and identical to the ultimate
after French philosopher Denis Diderot, where reality, Brahman. Through the cycle of
acquiring a new item prompts a desire for reincarnation (samsara), individuals experience
additional related purchases, leading to a cycle of the consequences of their actions (karma) and
increased consumption. seek liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth
and death.
BUDDHISM-Views the self as impermanent and
GEN 002: Understanding the Self devoid of inherent existence. The concept of
Module #10 Anatta (non-self) emphasizes that the self is a
composed of ever-changing aggregates
The Spiritual Self: The Inner Soul (skandhas), including form, sensation, perception,
mental formations, and consciousness.
The Spiritual Self: The Inner Soul
JUDAISM-Emphasizes the importance of the
The Spiritual Self is who we are at our core. The
self's moral and ethical development in alignment
concept of the spiritual self revolves around the
with divine commandments (mitzvot) and
idea of an inner essence or soul that transcends
covenantal relationship with God. The self is
the physical body and material world.
viewed as endowed with free will and
Spirituality encompasses an individual's deep responsibility for righteous conduct.
contemplation on life's ultimate questions, leading
CHRISTIANITY-Teaches that the self is created
to behaviors aligned with their core values.
in the image of God and endowed with inherent
dignity and worth. Through faith in Jesus Christ
and redemption through his sacrificial death and
SPIRITUAL SELF resurrection, individuals find salvation and
reconciliation with God.
Transcendence and Connection - cultivate this
connection through practices such as prayer, ISLAM-Teaches that the self, known as nafs, is
meditation, or contemplation, aiming to align their created by Allah and endowed with free will and
inner selves with spiritual truths and universal moral responsibility. The ultimate goal is
principles. submission to the will of Allah (Islam) and
attainment of spiritual purity (tazkiyah).
Personal Growth and Well-being - becoming
aware of our spiritual selves can help us grow as
personally, become more well-being, and improve
our well-being by giving us a sense of purpose,
connection, and inner peace.
Meaning and Purpose - individuals may explore
existential questions about the nature of
existence, the meaning of suffering, and the
pursuit of transcendental experiences to find
deeper fulfillment and fulfillment.
Values and Beliefs - is influenced by values and
beliefs that shape how we behave ethically and
conduct ourselves on our path to spiritual growth.
Understanding the Soul - The Filipino • Hinduism's View on Self: The self, or Atman, is
Tradition eternal and identical to Brahman, the ultimate
reality. Through reincarnation (moksha)
Filipinos believe in multiple souls, as noted by
individuals experience karma and seek liberation
Llanes (1958) and cited by Demetrio et al. (2011).
from the cycle of birth and death. The self is seen
Early scholars believe multiple four souls that
as separate from the body and mind, representing
animate the body.
divine consciousness. Self-realization is key to
1. The karawa, or the main soul, is vital and only spiritual growth.
leaves after death. It's the Ilokano term for the
• Buddhism's View on Self: The self is
Christian soul.
impermanent and lacks inherent existence, a
2. The karkarra, or second soul, can leave when concept called Anatta or non-self. The self is
frightened or stolen if one ventures to isolated made up of ever-changing parts, like form,
areas. Failure to return can lead to insanity, with sensation, and consciousness. The goal is to see
ceremonies held to lure it back. It symbolizes through the illusion of self and achieve
natural vigor, energy, and reason. It is the enlightenment (nirvana), understanding that all
counterpart of psyche for the Greeks. things are interconnected. This is done through
mindfulness and meditation.
3. The aniwas (aningaas or alingaas), or third
soul, leaves during sleep to visit familiar places. • Ancient's View on Self: The self is morally and
Loss of the aniwas upon waking can lead to ethically developed according to divine
insanity. commandments and a covenant with God. The
self has free will and must act righteously. Jewish
4. The ar-aria, or fourth soul, is the liberated soul identity is shaped by following laws, rituals, and
of the dead, visiting relatives and friends. Signs of traditions, and belonging to the community and its
its presence include howling dogs, disruptive relationship with God.
behavior, and mimicry of the deceased's habits or
traits. If the dead was a cook, he lingers slaying in • Christianity's View on Self: The self is created
the kitchen. in God's image, with dignity and worth. Through
faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death and
resurrection, individuals find salvation and a
Spiritual Self: This is the part of you that is your relationship with God. Christian identity is linked
inner essence or soul, beyond just your physical to being part of the Christian community and
body. It's about deep thoughts on lite's big living a virtuous life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
questions and living according to your core • Islam's View on Self: The self is created by
values. Being spiritual means caring for yourself, Allah with free will and moral responsibility. The
others, and the world; and showing kindness and human goal is to submit to Allah's will and attain
compassion. spiritual purity. Muslim identity is shaped by
Religion: A set of beliefs, practices, and rituals following the Five Pillars of Islam: faith, prayer,
followed by a group of people, often involving charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. Purifying the self
faith in a higher power like God or gods. Religions through these practices leads to inner peace and
have organized structures, such as churches, divine favor.
temples, or mosques, where followers gather.
Religion shapes cultures, traditions, and how
people see themselves.
• Religious Views on Self: Different religions
offer unique insights into human existence,
spiritual growth, and the search for meaning.
Understanding these views can help people learn
more about their own identity and spiritual
journey.
• The Soul in Filipino Tradition: Filipinos believe
in multiple souls that animate the body.