UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
Ms. Kheyzlee P. Mijares
Lesson 1:
Physical Self
 1. Discuss the concepts of
t i v e s
O b j ec hereditary and maturation;
2. Identify biological and
environmental factors that
impact the physical self; and
3. Analyze and evaluate issues
associated with the physical
well-being
 Physical Self
THE BIOLOGICAL BLUEPRINT

The physical self is shaped by biological and

environmental factors. The physical self, however is
surrounded by issues associated with health,
hygiene, nutrition and standards of beauty among
others.
 Physical Self
Heredity is defined as the transmission of traits
from parents to offspring. The traits are made up of
specific information embedded within one’s gene, the
basic unit of heredity. The manifestation of
particular traits can be attributed to the concepts
of genotype and phenotype.
 Physical Self
Genotype refers to the specific information
embedded within one’s genes; not all genotypes
translate to an observed physical characteristic.

Phenotype is the physical expression of the

particular trait. Genotype can be determined through
blood testing while phenotype can be directly
observed.
 Physical Self
"B" for brown skin (dominant)
"b" for fair skin (recessive)

Mother: Has two "B" alleles (BB) for brown skin.

Father: Has two "b" alleles (bb) for fair skin.
Child: Inherits one "B" from the mother and one
"b" from the father (Bb). Since "B" is dominant,
the child has brown skin.
 Physical Self
Each individual carry 23 pairs of chromosomes, which
are a thread-like bodies in the nucleus of the cell
and the storage unit of genes. The 23rd pair, also
known as sex chromosomes, determines the sex of an
individual. The XY combination indicates a male and
the XX combination indicates female.
 Physical Self
Within each chromosome is the deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA), which is a nucleic acid that contains the
genetic instructions specifying the biological
development of every individual. The DNA is
considered the blueprint of life; thus, no two
individuals have the same DNA.
 Physical Self
Maturation is known as the completion of growth of a
genetic character within an organism or the
unfolding of an individual’s inherent traits or
potential. Maturation enables people to walk, run and
talk. It also results in physical changes that are
evident in the adolescent stage.
 Physical Self
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING

While one’s genetic information determines the extent

of his or her physical features, it is not the only factor
that influences the physical self. As you grow up, you
are exposed toenvironmental influences the physical
self, including those from your social networks, societal
expectations and cultural practices.
 Physical Self
Family, being your first social group, forms a crucial
foundation of your development, including that of
your physical self. Aside from factors of heredity,
your family is also primarily responsible for now.
 Physical Self
As you grow older, you are exposed to a larger social
group with new practices and standards. You become
more conscious of your physical appearance. As time
goes on, you begin to take note of your height, weight,
facial features and other physical characteristics in
comparison to your peers, especially during
adolescence. As a result, you may begin engaging in
acts that would make attractive and acceptable to
others.
 Physical Self
One aspect of the physical beauty is a person’s body
type. Contemporary medial has portrayed slim bodies
as the ideal body type for women and muscular bodies
for men. Thus, adolescents indulge in activities that
would enable them to achieve these ideal body types.
 Physical Self
ACHIEVING PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

There is nothing wrong with enhancing one’s physical

self. What is problematic is when a person focuses too
much on physical beauty and disregard everything else.
Below are some tips in taking care of yourself and your
body:
Physical Self
Healthy eating – you need to eat the right
amount and combination of food to ensure your
health and sustenance. Following a healthy diet
results in healthy skin, ideal weight and better
stamina.
Physical Self
Embracing a healthy lifestyle – avoid drinking,
smoking and doing other unhealthyhabits to
reduce the risk of illness and diseases and to
make your immune system stronger. Physical
activities such as walking, running, going to the
gym and engaging in sports also contribute to a
healthier body.
Physical Self
Maintaining proper hygiene – Taking care of your
body by consistently following a hygiene regimen
can also help you feel good about yourself.
Physical Self
Being confident – self-confidence is your best
make-up and results in an optimal physical well-
being. Be secure in yourself, embrace a positive
outlook toward various situation and problems,
and love and accept who you are.
Lesson 2:
Sexual Self
 1. discuss and elaborate

t i v e s concepts associated with the

O b j ec sexual self, including sex and
gender
2. identify factors that
contribute to one’s sexual
development; and
3. explain how one can manifest
responsible sexual behavior
 Sexual Self
THE SOCIO-BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE SELF

A vital aspect of one’s identity is the sexual self,

encompassing the biological, physical, emotional and social
domains. While it is initially rooted in the distinguishing
physical attributes found in men (penis) and women (vagina),
bodily transformations and the development of secondary
sexual characteristics during adolescence also trigger the
physiological responses, leading to beliefs and behaviors
associated with sex.
 Sexual Self
During this stage, sexual curiosity is often at its peak,
with adolescents engaging in sexual activity as
influenced by biological and socio-cultural factors.
Further, the gender orientation of the adolescent may
manifest at this stage. Thus, it is important for a person
to be aware of his or her sexuality, thoughts, and
behavior, in order to make responsible choices
concerning one’s sexual self.
 Sexual Self
THE BIOLOGY OF SEX

At birth, the sexual genital is a biological feature that

distinguishes males from females. Moreover, during
puberty, observable changes in the human body also
known as secondary sexual characteristics begin.
Sexual Self
 Sexual Self
Aside from these observable changes, the release of
hormones (testosterone for male and estrogen for
female) triggers physiological changes in the
reproductive system. Thus, at this stage, males and
females start to become capable of procreation,
males start producing sperm while females begin
producing egg cells.
 Sexual Self
When physiological changes are triggered within the
adolescent’s reproductive system, he or she is likely
to experience sexual urges, become more sensitive
to sexual stimuli and feel sexual arousal. If sexual
arousal is satisfied through sexual intercourse,
orgasm would be reached.
 Sexual Self
The refractory period, or the period of the rest
after orgasm is reached, is likely to be longer in men.
Thus, woman can achieve multiple orgasms due to a
shorter refractory period. These physiological
sensations are part of the sexual response cycle,
which includes four phases; excitement, plateau,
orgasm and resolution. Completing the cycle leads to
sexual satisfaction.
Sexual Self
 Sexual Self
Humans are likely to engage in sexual activities to
satisfy sexual urges. However, the kind of sexual
activities they engage in may vary. During
adolescence stage, it is common to watch and read
pornographic materials, engage in kissing and petting
and perform masturbation.
 Sexual Self
Medical professionals have cited the health benefits
of masturbation, including stress relief, better
sleep,improved self-esteem and enhanced body
image. Further, masturbation is a better alternative
to sexual intercourse, which may result to unwanted
pregnancy or acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.
 Sexual Self
SEXUAL IDENTITY AND GENDER ORIENTATION

Biological sex is one’s assignment upon birth and is

dependent on physical and physiological features. On
the other hand, Gender is an identity that is learned
and embraced by the individual.
 Sexual Self
As a social construct, gender comprises the socially
created roles, personality traits, attitudes, behaviors
and values attributed to men and women. It also
includes the relative power and influence of each,
indicating that gender is relational and refers them not
simply to women or men but to the relationship
between them. Thus, gender is anchored on societal
beliefs and norms.
 Sexual Self
Gender roles refer to societal expectations of how men
and women should act. Everyone has a basic idea of
gender roles: men are assumed to be strong and
dominant while women are perceived to be submissive
and demure. Aside from the problems with these
assumption, gender and biological sex are not always
the same.
 Sexual Self

An umbrella term for people whose gender identity

and/or expression is different from cultural
expectations based on the sex they were assigned at
birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific
sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may
identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.
 Sexual Self

Sexual identity and gender orientation underlie one’s

concept of self. A person expresses his or her
sexuality through individuality; one’s beliefs and
behavioral lifestyle are based on his or her own
perception of sexuality.
 Sexual Self

THE CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL CHOICE

Early pregnancy
Sexually Transmitted Desease (STDs)
AIDS caused by HIV
 Sexual Self

it is important that everyone makes responsible

decision with regards to sexuality and sexual behavior.
Responsible sexual behavior entails the following:

Respect for one’s body – it means taking care of

one’s body and avoiding activities that undermine
one’s worth and respect.
Sexual Self

Maturity in thoughts and deeds – it refers to

being objective, rational and calm, instead of being
swept by one’s emotions.

Being guided by one’s personal belief and core

values – everyone, especially an adolescent, should
always be grounded by his or her personal
principles and self-worth
Sexual Self

Being future-oriented – instead of focusing on the

present, a person should always weigh his or her
present actions with possible consequences in the
future. Sexual pleasure might be overwhelming at
the moment but always focus on what entails in the
future.
 Sexual Self
Activity 1
Answer the following questions. (printed in an A4-sized bondpaper.)
1. What is your Biological sex?
2. What is your Sexual orientation?
3. What is your Sexual identity?
4. What is your Gender expression?
5. What are the social issues in the Philippines that you have
observed regarding sexuality?
6. What changes would you suggest to address the issue that you
have observed?
Lesson 3:
Material/Econom
ic
Self
 1. determine the different
factors that contribute to
t i v e s one’s material/ economic self;
O b j ec 2. distinguish between needs
and wants and how they
influence one’s daily social
behavior; and
3. analyze and evaluate one’s
material and economic
behavior that contributes to
his or her sense of self
 Material/Economic
Self
THE SELF IN A MATERIAL WORLD

People are likely to purchase products that can relate

to their personality. Material possessions signify some
aspects of one’s sense of self and identity.
One’s sense of self and identity is influential on how he
or she makes economic decisions that will address his
or her personal and social needs.
Material/Economic
Self
Material/Economic
Self
people buy them for
reasons that do not
warrant necessity.

important for survival

like food, shelter, and
clothing
 Material/Economic
Self
People sometimes purchase items to build how they
want to be perceived by others. Regardless of whether
the things that people have are needs or wants,
material possessions tell something of the personality
and social values of those who own them. Possessions
are extended version of oneself.
 Material/Economic
Self
In the process of acquiring material goods, people
generally consider two things:
Utility is concerned with how things serve a
practical purpose.
Significance is concerned with the meaning
assigned to the object.
Material/Economic
Self
Material/Economic
Self
Roland Barthes studied the
concept of semiology or the
relationship between people and
objects. According to Barthes,
it is through objects that
people assert their identities.
 Material/Economic
Self
Objects are not just things but are reflections of the wider
lives of communities and individuals; the things people
possess are also in sync with what is valued bu ttheir
community.
 Material/Economic
Self
The possession of material things also indicates one's
status in the society. One's possessions are perceived as a
personal choices that define people to a certain extent.
These personal choices build one's material and economic
self which is an extension of his or her social identity.
 Material/Economic
Self
Activity 1
List down Ten (10) important things that you buy for
yourself (Note: this does not include those you buy for
others). Identify whether these things are wants or needs.
On your List, remove five (5) things that you think you can
live without and explain why you removed them from the
list.Then, remove another three (3) and also explain why.
From the two things left, choose one you absolutely could
not live without and explain why.
Lesson 4: Digita
l
Self
 1. discuss and elaborate the
different concepts of the
t i v e s
O b j ec socio-digital self;
2. Identify factors that
influence one’s online
behavior; and
3. Analyze and evaluate one’s
socio-digital behaviors and
identify ways to manage them
effectively
 Digital Self

THE SELF IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Ways of Socializing Then VS. Now

 Digital Self

Social Media is defined as the websites and

applications that makes it easier to create information,
ideas, and interests.
 Digital Self

online disembodiment - people may act differently

through the use of social media since interaction do
not happen face to face.

With this, people are less likely to display their real

“selves” to others, especially to strangers. Based on
different studies, individuals are prone to create
digital identities, which are different from their “real
selves”
 Digital Self

DIGITAL IDENTITY

People generally have “role identities” these are the

characters and roles an individual creates as a member
of a particular social group.
 Digital Self

In an online environment, one’s role identity is vitally

important in order for him or her to project himself or
herself in the said environment.

Digital Identity - the identity a person claims in

cyberspace. A digital identity allows a person to be
part of a virtual community that goes beyond physical
and geographical boundaries.
 Digital Self

However, participation in virtual environments may

entail changes that may affect a person’s sense of self.
In fact, in cyberspace, people are capable of creating
multiple digital identities.

According to Turkle (1995), people can redefine

themselves on the internet. Assumptions made on the
virtual world are different from those of real life.
 Digital Self

ONLINE DISINHIBITION EFFECT

When people adopt fake identities, they are likely to

engage in behaviors that they would not do in real life
interactions. This effect is known as online
disinhibition (Suler, 2004).
 Digital Self

Two Categories of Behavior that Falls Under Online

Disinhibition

1. Benign Disinhibition
2. Toxic Dinsinhibition
 Digital Self

Benign Disinhibition - people tend to selfdisclose

more on the internet than they would in real life or
go out of their way to help someone or show
kindness.
Toxic Disinhibition - they use rude language, bully
or threaten others on online platforms, and go to
websites with contents of violence, crime and
pornography.
 Digital Self

People engage in online disinhibition due to a number of

factors. These include the following:
advantage of anonymity
virtual invisibility
asynchronous communication
personal introjection
 Digital Self

MANAGING RESPONSIBLE ONLINE BEHAVIOR

It is important to regulate online behavior.

Cyberbullying happens because of individuals who
display irresponsible and inappropriate online behavior.
 Digital Self

MANAGING RESPONSIBLE ONLINE BEHAVIOR

Do not post or send anything that will embarrass you

Avoid posting statements when experiencing strong
emotions
Do not hang out with the “wrong” crowd online and offline
Be careful with oversharing, especially confidential
information that may be used irresponsibly.
Respect other people in the online community
THANK
YOU!