Biological Concept of Physical Self

Physical Self

• Refers to the body as a fundamental part of who we are.
• The body is a complex machine that connects us to the world and other people.
• It is a tangible and observable aspect of our being.

Biological Concept of Physical Self

• Fertilization: The process where a sperm and an ovum combine to create a zygote.
• Prenatal Development: Occurs in three stages: Germinal, Embryonic, and Fetal.
• Germinal Stage (Fertilization to 2 weeks): The zygote rapidly divides and becomes more complex, eventually implanting in the uterus wall.
• Embryonic Stage (2 to 8 weeks): Major organ systems (respiratory, digestive, and nervous) develop rapidly, a process called organogenesis. This is a critical period for the embryo.
• Fetal Stage (8 weeks to Birth): Fetal growth accelerates, reaching 20 times its previous length. Organs and body systems become more complex.
• Sex Determination: The father's sperm determines the sex of the child. The 23 chromosomes from the sperm and the 23 from the ovum form 23 pairs, including the sex chromosomes.

The Concept of Physical Self in Psychology

• Wilhelm Reich: Emphasized the connection between the body and the mind, arguing that emotional experiences can become trapped in the body leading to physical tension (body armoring).
• Carl Gustav Jung: Focused on the psyche rather than the body, viewing physical processes as representations within the psyche.
• Erik Erikson: Highlighted the significance of bodily experiences in early developmental stages, emphasizing how physical and intellectual skills contribute to a sense of competence and shape identity.
• B.F. Skinner: A behaviorist who considered the body as the primary reality, emphasizing the importance of observable behaviors and environmental influences.
• Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers: Both Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Rogers' person-centered approach touch upon the role of the body in self-actualization. Maslow emphasized meeting basic physiological needs, while Rogers focused on physical feelings in therapy.

Mental Health Conditions Relating to Body Image

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one's physical appearance.
• Eating Disorders: Characterized by disordered eating habits, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Ways to Love Your Body

• Listen to Your Body: Eat when you are hungry and rest when you are tired.
• Change Negative Self-Talk: Replace negative self-talk with more realistic, loving, and positive statements.
• Focus on Your Worth: Recognize your unique talents, qualities, skills, and characteristics.
• Appreciate Your Body's Capabilities: Be thankful for the things you can do with your body.
• Exercise for Wellness: Find fun ways to add physical activity to your life, focusing on feeling good and being healthy.
• Project Confidence: Act like someone with a healthy body image and good self-confidence.
• Wear Comfortable Clothes: Choose clothes that fit and complement your figure.
• Question Unrealistic Standards: Challenged unrealistic beauty standards portrayed in ads.
• Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Seek out individuals who respect and accept you for who you are.
• Utilize Strategies to Love Yourself: Create lists of things you like about yourself, both physical and non-physical. Remember these lists regularly.