UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self

THE PHYSICAL SELF

Learning Outcomes Introduction

At the end of this lesson, the Understanding the self is not bound to happen
student should be able to:
in just one click. Throughout life, the self unfolds and
1. Explore the different aspects of self and develops into one’s own identity; that is mostly being
identity; unveiled starting in the adolescence stage.

2. Demonstrate critical, reflective thought in

Unpacking the self, this unit, includes many
integrating various aspects of self and
identity; aspects where self gathers its attributes. First to discuss
is the physical self wherein the lesson is centered in
3. Identify the different forces and the terms and concepts about one’s body.
institutions that impact the development
of various aspects of self and identity;

4. Examine one’s self against the different

aspects of the self
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self

The Physical Self

The physical self refers to the body. Both physical extremities and internal organs work
together for the body to perform many of its functions such as breathing, walking, eating, and
sleeping, among others. The body’s ability to perform its functions gradually changes through
individual’s aging. Life Span refers to the development from conception to death. Elizabeth B.
Hurlock outlines the stages in the life span:
 Prenatal - fertilization to birth
 Infancy- birth to 2 weeks of life
 Babyhood – 2 weeks of life to 2nd year
 Early childhood – 2 to 6 years old
 Late childhood – 6 to 10 or 12 years old
 Puberty – 10 or 12 to 14 years old
 Adolescence – 14 to 18 years old
 Early adulthood – 18 to 40 years old
 Middle adulthood – 40 to 60 years old.
 Late adulthood or senescence – 60 to death

Heredity and Environment: Factors Affecting Physical Growth and Development

Physical growth and development is the product of heredity and environment. Heredity is
the biological process of the inheritance of traits from parents to offspring. Environment refers to
the factors an individual is exposed to throughout life which includes learning and experiences.
Environmental factors such as diet, nutrition, and diseases play and important role in an
individual’s physical development.

Theories about Physical Self

The theory of physiognomy suggests that a person’s physical characteristics such as facial
features and expressions and body structures could be related to a person’s character or personality.

In ancient Greece, Hippocrates developed a theory based on the prominence of body fluids.
The theory suggests that an excess of or deficiency in any of the four bodily fluids (or humors) in
a person influences their personality, temperament, and well-being.

 Sanguine Type – has the prominence of red bile. They tend to be impulsive, cheerful,
happy, and optimistic.
 Melancholic Type – has the prominence of black bile. They tend to be depressed and
pessimistic.
 Choleric Type – has the prominence of yellow bile. They are easily angry. Jumpy, and
temperamental.
 Phlegmatic Type – has excess phlegm. They tend to be sluggish, dull, and slow.
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
In the 1940, William Sheldon has developed a body-type theory based on physical
characteristics.

 Endomorphic body type is soft and plump. People with this body type are perceived
to be easy going and sociable.
 Mesomorphic type is characterized by a strong muscular body. People who have
mesomorphic body type are perceived to be energetic, adventurous, assertive, and
courages. They are competitive and tend to be dominant.
 Ectomorphic body type is tall and thin. People who have this type tend to be restrained,
quiet, introverted and artistic.

Finally, in her work The Wisdom of Your Face, Jean Haner (2008) suggest that people with
Oval-shaped faces are generally hospitable and tactful. People with round-shaped faces tend to
be friendly, kind-hearted, and selfless. People with square faces tend to be witty, analytical, and
great leaders. People who have heart-shaped faces are patient and intuitive by nature. People with
long-shaped faces are perfectionist and tend to be aggressive. Person with triangle-shaped faces
tend to be creative, artistic, sensitive and determined. People with diamond faces are very detail-
oriented and like to be in control.
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
Body Image
Body image refers to how individuals perceive, think, and feel about their body and
physical appearance. Appearance refers to everything about a person that others can observe such
as height, weight, skin color, clothes, and hairstyles. Through appearances, an individual is able to
show others the kind of person he or she is.

The Importance of Beauty

Beauty has always been considered important throughout history because these features
indicate youth, health, good genes, and fertility. Whether beauty is biologically programmed or
culturally constructed, it remains important in all societies. Admittedly, attractive people have lot
of advantages in life. For one, people who perceived to be attractive are favoured over those who
are not in many social situations. Different cultures have different definitions and perceptions of
beauty. People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The fact that a number of Filipinas
have won international beauty contests shows that Filipinas are among the women who are
perceived to be most beautiful in the world.

People tend to judge others based on physical appearance. However, physical appearance
alone is not enough to know a person’s true character. It is important to see into a person’s inner
thoughts and feelings – one’s inner self. Above all things physical, it is more important to be
beautiful on the inside.

Here are some ways to improve your body image and inner self:
 Smile a lot.
 Take a good care of your health.
 Live a well-balanced life.
 Dress well and be neat.
 Spend some time alone reflect.
 Be creative and do something new all the time.
 Develop a wholesome attitude toward sex.
 Avoid temptations.
 Respect individuality.
 Make friends.
 Face your fears.
 Be independent.
 Accept things as they are.
 Ask and listen.
 Think positive.
 Pray.
 Count your blessings.
 Be thankful.
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
Questions for Discussions

1. Is it heredity or the environment that is considered as the mere factor of your self today?
2. Do you think the theories about the physical self applicable to you? How do you say so?
3. Choose five among the ways to improve body image and inner self which you consider as
your top priorities.

References

Alata, E. J. et. al. (2018). Understanding the Self. Rex Book Store, Inc. Manila, Philippines

Arcega, A. F. and Brawner, D. G. (2018). Understanding the Self. C & E Publishing, Inc.
Quezon City, Philippines

Borja, E. I. et. al. (2018). Understanding the Self. Nieme Publishing House Co. Ltd. Quezon
City, Philippines

Castillo, J. C. et. al. (2018). Understanding the Self, Outcome-Based Module. C & E
Publishing, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self

THE SPIRITUAL SELF

Learning Outcomes Introduction

At the end of this lesson, the The spiritual aspects of the self is the inner
student should be able to:
essence, the part of the self that connects the person to
the sacred, the supernatural, and the universe. The
1. Explore the different aspects of self and
spiritual self enables the person to experience a feeling
identity;
of oneness with higher being and the universe and
2. Demonstrate critical, reflective gives a deeper purpose or meaning of one’s life. The
thought in integrating various aspects family, school, and church play a very important role
of self and identity; in a child’s spiritual development. Spirituality begins
at an early age but develops throughout life as people
3. Identify the different forces and
continuously interact in the environment.
institutions that impact the
development of various aspects of self
and identity;

4. Examine one’s self against the

different aspects of the self
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
THE SPIRITUAL SELF (Go-Manilla and Ramirez, 2018)
“The spiritual aspects of the self are the inner soul, the part of the self that connects the person
to the sacred, the supernatural, and the universe. The spiritual self improves the person to
experience a feeling of oneness with a higher being and the universe and gives a more profound
purpose or meaning of one’s life. The family, school, and church plays a vital role in a child’s
spiritual development. Spirituality begins at an early age but develops throughout life as people
continuously interact in the environment.” (p. 146)

SPIRITUALITY (Macaya, Jughan-Pinuga, and Castillo, 2019)

Here are some definitions of spirituality:
 Puchalski :The aspect of oneself associated to his or her process of seeking and expressing
meaning, and how it is being connected to the self, others, and to everything in the
environment including the sacred and the significant is what we call as spirituality.

 Beauregard and O’Leary: Any experience that is thought to bring the experiencer in contact
with the divine; it is not just any experience that feels meaningful.

 Sinnott: The individual’s personal relation to the sacred or transcendent, a relation that
then informs other relationships and the meaning of one’s own life.

 Myers and colleagues: Personal and private beliefs that transcend the material aspects of
life and give a deep sense of wholeness, connectedness, and openness to the infinite.
Three common ideas that the above definitions posited:

1. Spirituality is about the meaning and purpose beyond the realities of life
2. Spirituality is emphasizing the connections of one person to other people, to nature, and to
sacredness or divinity
3. Spirituality talks about the scared and transcendent
All of us are not born with innate spirituality for it is something that we acquire through the courses
of life. Religion takes place in here; as the mere way of developing our spiritual self.

RELIGION (Macionis, 2002)

The social institution involving beliefs and practices based on a conception of the sacred is called
religion. It is also defined as an organized system of beliefs concerning supernatural beings. This
system of beliefs is exercised through rituals that are meant to influence facets of the universe
which otherwise people can do nothing about.
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Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
According to Durkheim’s Structural-Functional Analysis, the following are the functions of
religion:

1. Social cohesion – religion unites people through shared symbolism, values and norms.
2. Social control – every society uses religious ideas to promote conformity.
3. Provide meaning and purpose – religious belief offers the comforting sense that our brief
lives serve some great purpose that is why we mark the major life course transition.

THE CONCEPT OF SOUL (Villafuerte, et. al., 2018)

Filipinos are fond of the concept of the soul. Spiritual life of a person determines the place of the
soul as the body rested into death. “The Bible further speaks of the soul as the innermost aspect of
the person which signifies the spiritual principle in him or her. It is because of this spiritual soul
that the body comes alive.” (p. 110)

The following are Filipino’s Traditional Understanding of the Soul:

Group Term for Soul

Tagalogs Kaluluwa

Bagobos Gimokud

Bukidnon Makatu

Ilokano Kadkadduwa/ Kararwa

Ilonggos Dungan and Kalag

Visayans Dungan

Cebuano Kaluha

Mindoro Karadwa/Kalag

Kankanays Ab-abiik

SEARCH FOR THE MEANING OF LIFE (Go-Manilla and Ramirez, 2018)

Viktor Frankl shared his personal experiences in the Nazi concentration camp. He described those
in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, of which in particular, a prisoner passes through three
major phases in the camp.

1. State of shock
2. Apathy - the blunting of the emotions and the feeling that one could not anymore
3. Depersonalization - a state where everything seemed unreal, unlikely, as in a dream
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Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
“Frankl’s personal experience in the Nazi concentration camps during World War II led to him to
develop the basic tenets of logotherapy, which were tested and found valid even amid all the dark
forces in human existence. Frank embraced both bright and dark sides of human existence and
believed that inevitable human suffering could contribute to human achievement and the search of
meaning in life.” (p. 148) Logotherapy is the pursuit of human existence as well as on man’s
search for such a meaning. In logotherapy, one can discover the meaning of life in three different
ways: by doing deed, by experiencing a value, and by suffering.

FRANKL'S THREE SOURCES OF MEANING

Victor Frankl wrote a famous book, Man's Search for Meaning, in which he identified three basic
sources through which people find meaning in life. He said:

'A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits
for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence,
and will be able to bear almost any "how".'

It is all the more remarkable, perhaps, that Frankl's inspiration came from surviving a Nazi
concentration camp.

Love
Love is the strongest bond between people and will lead to wonderful inspiration and great
sacrifice. Many of the great works of art were inspired by love, including more general love such
as of nature or God.
Frankl himself used his love of his wife to keep up his spirits and also noticed how other prisoners
used their connection with others to stay positive in the face of extremely negative circumstances.

Work
Without work, people easily fall into an aimless existence. Work provides both short- and longer-
term objectives and completion of these can result in a deep satisfaction and sense of value.
Frankl had the manuscript of a book he had written confiscated. He used this as a spur to re-write
the book, using every scrap of paper he could find.

Suffering
Suffering as a source of meaning is both curious and also understandable when it is seen in the
light of pain that leads to enlightenment. There is more than one religion in the world that is
founded on the suffering of its prophet. A key effect is that with a loss of outer freedom, we often
turn inwards and find meaning in places where external cruelty cannot reach. In the manner of the
Stoics, we may also reframe suffering as our 'task', of 'bearing the cross' and gaining a sense of
achievement simply by surviving.
Frankl's concentration camp experiences were no doubt fraught with unbelievable suffering and it
is remarkable that he could find meaning. He did note that it was unavoidable suffering that led to
meaning, thus obviating self-flagellation or other privation. Frankl quoted Dostoevski: 'There is
only one thing that I dread: not to be worthy of my sufferings.'

Reference: http://changingminds.org/explanations/meaning/frankl.html
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
References

Go-Monilla, M. J., and Ramirez, N. (2018). Understanding the Self. C & E

Publishing, Inc. Manila, Philippines

Macayan, J., Jughan-Pinugu, J., and Castillo, J. (2019). Understanding the Self. C &
E Publishing, Inc. Manila, Philippines

Macionis, J. (2002). Sociology. Pearson Education, Asia Pte Ltd. Jurong, Singapore

Villafuerte, S. et al. (2018). Understanding the Self. Nieme Publishing House Co. Ltd.
Quezon City, Philippines
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self

THE SEXUAL SELF

Learning Outcomes Introduction

At the end of this lesson, the Sexual self, in this chapter, includes the
student should be able to:
biological factors of sexual behaviors that include the
reproductive system and the sex characteristics that
1. Explore the different aspects of self
differentiate between man and woman. It affects not
and identity;
only on how individuals view themselves but also their
2. Demonstrate critical, reflective sexuality and sexual relationships.
thought in integrating various
aspects of self and identity;

3. Identify the different forces and

institutions that impact the
development of various aspects of self
and identity;

4. Examine one’s self against the different

aspects of the self
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
Development of Sex Characteristics and the Human Reproductive System
Primary Sex Characteristics are physical characteristics present at birth. These are the
characteristics that distinguish male from female. In female these characteristics include the
vagina, uterus and ovaries, and in male, the characteristics include the penis, testes or testicles,
scrotum, and prostate gland.

Primary sex characteristics develop as the embryo grows in the womb as a result of the
chromosome contained with the embryonic cell as well as hormonal influences. About 5 weeks of
pregnancy, two organs called gonads (male- testosterone and other androgens, female- ovaries
produce estrogen and progesterone as well as a small amount of testosterone), form in the embryo.

Secondary Sex Characteristics developed during the onset of puberty. For women, the
earliest evidence of puberty are enlargement of the breast, menstruation (usually occurs at around
10 to 12 years of age), widening of the hips, enlargement of the buttocks, and growth of the pubic
hair. In men are the Testicular growth, sperm production, appearance of facial pubic, and other
body hair, and deepening of voice.

Female sex hormone are not produced consistently, their production follows a cyclical
pattern, approximately 28 day month cycle, ovulation period occur 14 days after the beginning of
the menstrual period.

The reproductive system is a system of Sex organs designed for reproduction and sexual function.
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Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
Female Reproductive system

 Clitoris- made of erectile tissue swells with the blood and hardens when a woman is
sexually aroused.
 Vagina- is a muscular tube that serves as the receptacle for the penis and carrier of the
sperm to the uterus. It is also the birth canal where the fetus passes out of a mother’s
body.
 Uterus- is a hallow organ where the fertilized embryo grows to become a fetus.
 Cervix- a passage way between uterus and the vagina that expands during childbirth.
 Fallopian Tube- carries the fertilized egg from the ovary to the uterus.
 Pregnancy- starts from fertilization and end at birth, 260 days of duration.

Male Reproductive System

 Penis- organ through which male urinate and deliver the sperm cells into the vagina
during sexual intercourse. Made up of sensitive tissue and nerve ending.
 Prostate gland and seminal vessels- sperm cells travels to this
 Testes or testicle- located in a loose pouch- like sac of skin called scrotum, responsible
for the production of sperm cell and male sex hormones.
 Vas Deferens- transport the sperm contains fluid called semen. Produce semen and
nourish the sperm cell
 Epididymis- is a set of coiled ducts connected to vas deferens where the sperm cells are
stored.
 Ejaculation- is the release of sperm cells from the penis, contains 300 to 500 million
sperm cells.
 Sperm can live up to 48 hours inside the uterus.

Erogenous Zones
These are areas of the body which are highly sensitive and produce sexual responses when
stimulated. These includes the genitals, mouth, breast, ears anus, and to a lesser degree, the entire
surface of the body. One of the basic forms of sexual stimulation is masturbation or self-stimulation
that causes sexual pleasure or orgasm.

It involves the rubbing or fondling of the genital areas and provides a good index of sexual
desire because it is not constrained by the availability of a partner. Other sexual activities such as
intimate kissing, cuddling, necking, petting, or touching the erogenous zones may be uniquely
important to sexual arousal.

In many species, sexual arousal is closely tied to variation in hormonal level. In humans,
hormones plays less of a role. The brain is where sexual desire originates and where sexual
behaviour is controlled.
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Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
Cognitive factors play an important role in sexual arousal in humans, some individuals
become sexually aroused by creating or fantasizing erotic images, sexual fantasies play a
significant role in sexual arousal. Women and men have equal potential for sexual arousal and
women are no less physically responsive than men.

The Phase of Sexual Response

William Masters and Virginia Johnson found that the biological responses of males and
females to sexual stimulation are quite similar. The divided the sexual-response cycle into four
phases:
 Excitement Phase- beginning of sexual arousal and can last from one minute to several
hours. During this phase, pulse rate increase, blood pressure rises, breathing quickness, and
the skin shows a rosy flush particularly on the chest and breast areas.
 Plateau Phase- the changes in the body continues, breathing becomes more rapid, heart
rate increases, body temperature rises, blood pressure increases during this stage.
 Orgasmic Phase- contractions of the muscles in and around the penis stimulate the release
of the semen which contains sperm cell
 Resolution phase- the body returns to its normal state after orgasm.

The Chemistry of Lust and Love Attraction

Romantic love includes a complex combination of different emotions such as fear, anger,
sexual desire, joy, and jealousy. In context of interpersonal relationship, psychologist Robert
Sternberg that suggests that there are three components of love:
 Intimacy- refers to the feeling of closeness, connectedness, and bondedness.
 Passion- refers to the drives that lead to romance, physical attraction, and sexual
consummation.
 Commitment- refers to the decision to love and the commitment to maintain that love.

Love is classified based on the combination of any of the three components. Romantic love
has strong components of sexual attraction and infatuation, and is often experienced in the early
stage of a love relationship. Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist and expert in the science of
human attraction suggest the important ingredients of romantic love: lust, attraction and
attachment.
 Lust- is driven desire for sexual gratification
 Attraction- is often associated with sexual attraction.
 Attachment- occurs when an individual’s desire to connect with another person intimately.
It may also be called affectionate and companionate love.

Sexual Orientation
It refers to a person’s sexual identity anchored on what gender they are attracted to.
 Heterosexuality- sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex
 Homosexuality- orientation of one who is sexually attracted to the same sex.
 Bisexuality- is an orientation where one is attracted to both opposite and same sex.
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Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self

Sexually Transmitted Disease/ Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted disease are contracted primarily through sexual contract in vaginal,
oral or anal sex). It may affect the sex organs themselves while others have broader and more life-
threatening effects. It is treatable with antibiotics, but HIV/AIDS are more difficult to treat. STI
commonly include human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome HIV/
AIDS).
 HIV/AIDS infection- are caused by direct contact with body fluids such as through blood
transfusion, breast feeding, and sexual intercourse. It attacks immune system and the
infected person eventually dies.
 Gonorrhea- caused by gonococcal bacteria which attack the lining of the mucous
membrane such as mouth, throat, vagina, and urethra. It can be treated by penicillin or other
antibiotics.
 Syphilis- infects the genital areas and other parts of the body including the brain can use
paralysis even death when left untreated.
 Chlamydia- caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis In men, can cause swollen
testicles and a burning sensation during urination. It can result in sterility among women if
left untreated because it damages the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
 Genital herpes- can cause itching and tingling sensation, abscesses, and blisters in the
genital area. There is no cure for herpes.
 Genital warts- are caused by the human papillomavirus, abscesses, and blisters in the
genital area. There is no cure for herpes.
 Genital warts- are caused by the human papillomavirus and women with human
papillomavirus are prone to cervical cancer. The warts can be removed, they may recur.
 Anyone who is sexually active is at risks of STI and STD and should practice sex. It is
important to remember that not having sex can be the safest sex method to avoid all forms
of STI and STD as well as other problems such as early pregnancy.

Methods of Contraception
Contraception refers to methods that are used to prevent pregnancy. Methods of
contraception are:
 Condoms
 (IUD) Intrauterine Device- a tiny device made of flexible plastic that is inserted in the
uterus to prevent pregnancy.
 Birth control Injectable- given every three months
 Oral contraceptive pills- taken everyday
 Withdrawal method
 Calendar Method-the number of days in each menstrual cycle is recorded and the couple
of avoid sex during fertile period.
 Cervical mucus method- also called the billings ovulation method is a type of natural
family planning method based on careful observation of mucus patterns during the course
of the menstrual cycle.
 Abstaining sexual inter course/ Abstinence- best method in preventing pregnancy and
sexually transmitted infections or disease.
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Unit 2 – Unpacking the Self
Questions for Discussions

1. Do you agree that primary and secondary sex characteristics determines one sexual
identity? Why or why not?
2. In the chemistry of lust and love, where do you see yourself?
3. What particular ways do you have in order to protect yourself from STI or STD?

References

Go-Monilla, M. J. and Ramirez , N. (2018). Understanding the Self. C & E Publishing,

Inc. Manila, Philippines

Villafuerte, S. et. al. (2018). Understanding the Self. Nieme Publishing House Co. Ltd.
Quezon City, Philippines