GED 101: Self and Identity

GED 101 Notes - Self and Identity

• S.E.L.F (Social, Environmental, and other Life Factors): Scholars from various fields have explored the nature, existence, and dimensionality of the self.

Nature vs. Nurture

• Nature: Studies the self structurally and functionally, from the molecular level to human physiological systems. Genetics plays a significant role, focusing on heredity and the characterization of organisms.
• Nurture: Social sciences view the self as a product of nurturing factors within one's social life. Insights from social sciences highlight how group life (formal and informal) influences behavior and attitudes. Social institutions also impact the self-construal/understanding of oneself.

Self vs. Identity

• Identity: Qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others. This is also the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.
• Self: The person someone normally or truly is. It's one's entire person.

UNI vs. MULTI Dimensionality of the Self

• Multidimensional: The self/identity cannot be represented by a single trait and is composed of multi-dimensional aspects. Individuals are a product of various multidimensional factors.

Social Factors of the Self

• Influences of significant people: Social groups where an individual identifies themselves.
• Strong foundations: Characteristics a person acquires during their growing up years form part of their identity, uniqueness, and similarities with others.
• Family
• Peer Groups
• Organizations
• Other significant people: teachers, role models, relatives

Environmental Factors of the Self

• Physical and communal elements: Surroundings of an individual and interaction with people in specific areas. These include geographic regions, physical properties (climate, landforms), and societal expectations/norms.

Hereditary Factors of the Self

• Biological process: Traits and characteristics passed from one generation to another.
• Non-negotiable factor: Unlike social and environmental factors, heredity is relatively fixed and permanent.
• Physical Attributes: Height, complexion, eye color
• Cognitive Traits: IQ

Person-Volition Factor of the Self

• Controversial factor: Refers to the inclination to form a unique identity and set oneself apart from others.
• Internal and experiential: Refers to the drive to form a unique identity.
• Non-conformist: Often seen as deviant, but can lead to trendsetting.

Philosophy

• The nature, reality, and existence are the main focus of this field.

Philosophy of Self

• Empiricism: Explains the self in terms of sensory and bodily responses.
• Rationalism: Explains the self based on what is ideal and true.

Socrates

• The ancient Greek philosopher who passed on his knowledge and concepts to his students, who believed in the idea that the real self is the soul, and not the physical body.

Plato

• Socrates' student, who explored and explained Socrates' ideas about the self. He distinguished between the world of mind (Metaphysical Realm) and the physical world (body.)

Aristotle

• Plato's student who expounded and formalized Plato's idea of the truth.

Psychology

• Definition: Study of human behavior.

Theoretical Perspectives:

• Various theories: used to explain and understand the self, including social and personality psychology.

Key Constructs:

• Self-awareness, self-construal, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-regulation.

Sociology

• Definition: Study of collective behavior within society.

Focus:

• Social problems, institutions, and relationships.

Anthropology

• Definition: Study of human beings.

Focus:

• Physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture.

Political Science

• Focus: Participation in government and political choices.

Economics

• Definition: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This includes the valuation of products and services, as well as how these impact oneself.

Impacts of Childhood on Mental Health

• The impact of environment, home environment, emotional difficulties, and developmental issues on one's present mental state.

Symptoms of Mental Health Struggles

• Sleep disturbances, appetite changes, emotional numbness, and low mood.

How Anxiety Affects the Body

• Emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral factors

Understanding Self-Harm and Suicide

• Self-harm (common among 11-25 years old)

Mental Health in the Philippines

• Prevalence of mental health issues in the country, specifically depression and anxiety.

The Self: A Vital Component in Mental Health

• Emphasizing treating oneself as a priority and the impact of family/friend support systems on well-being.

How to Support Others with Mental Health Problems

• Supporting others with mental health problems, being patient, avoiding harmful phrases, using helpful statements.

Managing Stress and Mental Health

• Stress-management techniques, like deep breathing exercises, regular exercise

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

• Normalizing emotions, addressing stigma, and seeking help when needed.

The Physical Dimension of Self

• Heredity, maturation, and the environment in shaping physical attributes

Key Concepts - Heredity

• Definitions: The transmission of traits from parents to offspring through genes. Key terms include: Chromosomes, autosomes, sex chromosomes, Genes, Genomes, DNA, Genotype, Phenotype, and Alleles.

Key Concepts - Maturation

• Process of becoming physically mature, developing skills necessary for life.

Key Concepts - Environment

• Environmental factors impacting physical development.

The Sexual Dimension of Self

• Sexual development, gender identity, objectification, and societal attitudes toward sexual identity.

Key Concepts - Sexual Development

• Physical changes, sexual maturation, and their impact on identity.

Key Concepts - Gender Identity

• Personal experience of gender, which may or may not agree with biological sex.

Key Concepts - Sexual Orientation

• Innate attraction toward individuals of the same, opposite, or both sexes.

Key Concepts - Objectification

• Viewing people as objects.

Key Concepts - Sex and Gender Roles

• Societal views influencing how individuals view and express sexual identity.

Unit 1: Cognition, Memory, and Intelligence

• Key Concepts: Developmental Milestones, Memory Levels (Sensory, Short-Term, Long-Term), and Intelligence.

Theories of Intelligence

• Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory and Sternberg's Triarchic Theory.

Unit 2: Emotional Regulation

• Adolescence, Emotional challenges, Emotional Regulation Strategies, including Rumination and Distraction.

Socio-Cultural Influence on Self

• Our development is shaped by social factors (from family to bigger societal structures).
• Cultural contexts influence values, beliefs, norms, and personal development.

Key Theories

• Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory
• Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, and Macrosystem.

Stages of Self Development

• Preparatory Stage (imitation), Play Stage (role-playing), and Game Stage (understanding multiple roles).

Individualism vs. Collectivism

• Prioritizing personal goals and independence versus group harmony and interdependence. (e.g., Western vs. Asian cultures).

Active Citizenship

• Engaging in social processes like voting and participation to contribute to society. Defining active citizenship and its importance to democracy.

Digital Citizenship

• Respecting others online, continuous self-education, safeguarding personal information.

Digital Self and Identity

• How technology influences our online selves, using the concept of "dissociative anonymity," invisibility, and asynchronicity to explain how individuals use digital media to present themselves online.

Material Culture

• Defining material culture as the study of physical objects, or artifacts that accompany everyday life. Emphasizing their functions and significance.

Mihaly Csikszentmilhalyi

• The significance of the importance of "things". Core idea of things being inseparable from identity.

John Heskett

• The utility and significance of everyday things

Roland Barthes

• Objects as a system of signs, highlighting how everyday objects carry multiple meanings.

Spirituality vs. Religiosity

• Concepts related to finding meaning and purpose, and involving personal philosophical interpretations.

Parapsychology

• The scientific study of paranormal psychological phenomena. This includes concepts like Extra-sensory Perception, Psychokinesis, Survival of consciousness after death.

Paranormal Phenomena

• Different ESP categories like Telepathy, Clairvoyance, Precognition and Psychokinesis.

Sleep Paralysis and Astral Projection

• Describing these concepts in relation to sleep, body, and consciousness.

Spiritual Possession

• Accounts of spirit possession across cultures and religious traditions.

Illuminati & Freemasonry

• The history and characteristics of these secret societies.

Political Self

• Defining politics as power and leadership, active citizenship, and social constructs.

Time, Future, Past, Present

• The value and concepts of time, future, past, and present as components toward a better future.

Decision-Making Factors

• Emphasizing the differences in decision-making based on Eastern and Western influences.