Body Image and Culture

Key Concepts of Physical Self

• Physical appearance strongly influences initial impressions, particularly facial features.
• Physical self encompasses perceived attributes like height, weight, skin tone, hair type, and facial features.
• Body image is the mental representation of one's physical self.
  • Positive body image involves confidence and happiness with one's body.
  • Negative body image involves critical self-assessment and dissatisfaction with one's body.

The Impact of Culture on Body Image

• Media representation often portrays unrealistic "ideal" body types (e.g., slim, tall models).
• Limited representation can lower self-esteem and create negative body image.
• Beauty standards vary across cultures: for example, the Philippines values fair skin and a smooth complexion, while Western cultures often emphasize slim physiques.
• Positive community support systems and values can reduce anxieties about unrealistic beauty standards.
• Communities promoting inclusivity improve confidence and self-image.

Importance of Beauty

• Confident individuals often build stronger social relationships.
• Feeling attractive can boost confidence in achieving goals.
• Physical appearance can influence perceived opportunities, although skills remain vital.

Body Image Issues and Eating Disorders

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Characterized by obsessive focus on perceived flaws. Examples include avoidance of situations due to imagined imperfections.
• Anorexia Nervosa: Extreme weight loss due to fear of gaining weight. Examples include skipping meals or isolating oneself to avoid eating.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Cycles of binge eating followed by purging. Examples include purging after overeating due to guilt.
• Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Episodes of overeating without purging. Examples include using food as an emotional coping mechanism.

The Sexual Self

• The sexual self encompasses one's understanding of their sexual orientation, desires, preferences, and relationships.
• The sexual self shapes identity and self-perception.

Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics

• Secondary sex characteristics develop during puberty, distinguishing males and females. Male characteristics: Deeper voice, increased muscle mass, body hair growth. Female characteristics: Breast enlargement, widening hips, menstruation onset.

Key Functions of the Human Reproductive System

• Produce sperm (male) or eggs (female) for reproduction.
• Hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone) develop secondary sex characteristics.
• Enhance understanding of sexual health and body awareness.

Erogenous Zones

• Sensitive areas that cause arousal when stimulated. Examples include lips, mouth, neck, ears, breasts and nipples, and inner thighs.

Human Sexual Response Cycle (Masters & Johnson)

• Excitement: Initial arousal phase (e.g., erection, lubrication).
• Plateau: Intensified responses (e.g., rapid breathing, muscle tension).
• Orgasm: Release of sexual tension (e.g., ejaculation, muscle contractions).
• Resolution: Return to normal body state; potential fatigue.

Chemistry of Lust, Love, and Attachment (Helen Fisher)

• Lust: Driven by sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen).
• Attraction: Involves adrenaline (arousal), dopamine (pleasure), and serotonin (obsessive thoughts).
• Attachment: Long-term intimacy influenced by oxytocin (cuddle hormone) and vasopressin.

Diversity of Sexual Behavior

• Masturbation: Self-stimulation of genitals.
• Sexual intercourse: Penetration between genitals.
• Sexual play: Various activities like kissing, role-playing, etc. Consent is crucial.
• Marital sex: Between spouses.
• Extramarital sex: Outside of marriage (considered infidelity in many cultures).

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Infections transmitted through sexual contact.
• Some are asymptomatic (no initial symptoms).
• Prevention measures include safe sex practices and screenings.

Unpacking the Material Self

• Definition: Tangible objects, places, or people that are associated with "my" or "mine."
  • Key components: body, clothing, family, home.

Needs vs. Wants

• Needs: Basic essentials for survival (food, shelter, clothing, healthcare).
• Wants: Non-essential desires (luxury items, vacations).
• Balancing needs and wants to avoid overspending.

Consumer Culture and Identity

• Consumer culture influenced by market and purchasing patterns, impacting identity.
• Influences on identity: Identity expression (e.g., buying items reflecting hobbies); social status (e.g., owning luxury goods); and belonging (purchasing items to fit in with groups).
• Buying habits reflect and shape individual identity.

Impact of Consumption

• Developing awareness of the impact of buying habits is crucial for a healthy relationship with possessions.

Unpacking the Spiritual Self

• Definition: Part of a person that seeks purpose, meaning, and connection beyond the material world.
  • Core elements include beliefs and values, and inner experiences that guide peace, purpose and connection to a higher power.

The Practice of Religion

• Belief in supernatural beings and powers (e.g., God, spirits).
• Examples include Christianity (omnipotent God), and indigenous cultures (ancestor spirits or nature spirits).

The Concept of "Dungan"

• Filipino concept of spiritual force; inner strength, spiritual energy, and vitality.
• Represents inner strength and protection from negativity.
• Belief that "dungan" transitions to another realm after death, reflecting views on spirituality and morality.

Rituals and Ceremonies

• Purpose: Expression of faith through connection to the divine, reinforcing community values.
• Types: life cycle (birth, marriage, death), seasonal (e.g., Diwali, Ramadan), and healing rituals.

Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft

• Religion: Organized beliefs and practices that connect individuals with the divine.
• Magic: Rituals or spells to influence events and outcomes.
• Witchcraft: Feared in many societies, often misunderstood.

Unpacking the Political Self

• Definition: How individuals perceive their roles and responsibilities within a political context.
• Components: beliefs and values about governance, actions of civic engagement, and participation in societal change.

Developing a Filipino Identity

• Filipino identity is shaped by cultural values, beliefs, and community influences.
• Key aspects: Bayanihan (spirit of communal unity), Resilience (ability to bounce back), Kapwa (importance of relationships), and institutional factors like family and cultural contexts.
• Democratic culture thrives on shared values and practices upholding democracy and its core elements (participation, respect for diversity, rule of law, and critical thinking).

Unpacking the Digital Self

• Definition: How an individual presents themselves online, which may differ from their real life self.
• Influencing factors: social media, cultural norms, and personal experiences.
• Unique online interactions and differences from face-to-face interactions as they concern body language, nonverbal cues, distance, tone and potential misunderstandings.
• Selective self-presentation: carefully curating online self-images through choosing which aspects of ourselves to share. Impression management: influencing how others perceive us online, potentially through adjusting behaviors or appearance.

Impact of Online Interactions on the Self

• Positive interactions can boost self-esteem, while negative interactions (e.g. cyberbullying) can harm mental health.

Boundaries of the Self Online

• Importance of setting online boundaries and maintaining personal data when online.
• Strategies to protect yourself online should include limiting personal information shared, controlling the visibility of that content, and prioritizing reflective posting.

Conclusion

• Digital self is complex and evolves with online interactions.
• Proficiency in the digital world involves understanding how we present ourselves online, managing impressions, and navigating digital spaces more authentically.
• Reflecting on personal experiences can lead to a more authentic online presence.