Impact of Culture on Body Image

Physical Self

• Initial impressions are often influenced by physical features, especially the face.
• Physical self includes perceptions of height, weight, skin tone, hair type, and facial features.
• Body image is the mental representation of the physical self.
  • Positive body image involves feeling confident and happy with one's body.
  • Negative body image involves being overly critical and dissatisfied with one's body.

Impact of Culture on Body Image

• Media portrayals often present "ideal" body types (e.g., slim, tall models), which can negatively impact self-esteem and body image.
• Societal beauty standards vary across cultures.
  • Examples include the emphasis on fair skin and smooth complexions in some cultures, and slim physiques in others.
• Positive community values and support reduce anxiety about unrealistic beauty standards.
  • Inclusive communities can improve confidence and self-image.

Importance of Beauty

• Confident individuals tend to be more outgoing and build stronger relationships.
• Feeling attractive can foster confidence in achieving goals.
• Appearance can influence certain job roles, but skills remain vital.

Body Image Issues & Eating Disorders

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

Sexual Self

• Refers to an individual's understanding of their sexual orientation, desires, preferences, and relationships.
• Shapes one's identity and self-perception.

Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics

• Physical traits that develop during puberty, distinguishing males and females.
  • Male traits include deeper voices, increased muscle mass, and body hair growth.
  • Female traits include breast enlargement, widening hips, and menstruation onset.

Key Functions of the Human Reproductive System

• Produces sperm (male) and eggs (female) for reproduction.
• Develops secondary sex characteristics through hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
• Enhances understanding of sexual health and body awareness.

Erogenous Zones

• Sensitive areas that stimulate arousal.
  • Includes lips, mouth, neck, ears, breasts, nipples, and inner thighs.

Human Sexual Response Cycle (Masters & Johnson Model)

• Four stages: excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution, representing initial arousal, intensified response, release of sexual tension, and return to normal state.

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

• Lust, driven by sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen).
• Attraction, influenced by adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin.
• Attachment, influenced by oxytocin (cuddle hormone) and vasopressin.

Diversity of Sexual Behavior

• Includes masturbation, sexual intercourse, sexual play, marital sex, premarital sex, and extramarital sex.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Infections transmitted through sexual contact.
• Can be asymptomatic.
• Prevention involves safe sex practices and screenings.
• Examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS.

Material Self

• Includes tangible objects, places, or people that we associate with.
• Key components: body (health and functioning), clothing (self-expression), family (extension of one's identity), and home (personal space)
• Needs vs. Wants: Distinguishing between essential resources and non-essential desires.

Consumer Culture and Identity

• Consumer culture involves a materialistic relationship shaped by the market.
• Influences on identity include:
• Identity expression (e.g., buying items that reflect interests).
• Social status (e.g., owning luxury items).
• Belonging (e.g., buying trendy items to fit in).

Spiritual Self

• Part of a person that seeks purpose, meaning, and connection beyond the material world.
• Core elements include beliefs, values, and inner experiences.

Practice of Religion

• Belief in supernatural beings and powers (e.g., Christianity, Indigenous cultures).

Concept of “Dungan” (Philippines)

• Represents spiritual energy and vitality.
• Reflects inner strength and potential protection from negativity, and transitions to another realm after death.

Rituals & Ceremonies

• Expressions of faith, connection to the divine, and community reinforcement.
• Types: life cycle rituals (e.g., weddings), seasonal rituals (e.g., Diwali, Ramadan), and healing rituals.

Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft

• Organized beliefs and practices to connect with the divine.
• Magic involves using rituals or spells to influence events.
• Witchcraft often involves misunderstood or feared practices and healers in various societies.

Finding and Creating Meaning

• Religion provides guidance to explore values, self-reflection, personal growth and fostering connections within community.

Key Takeaways

• Religion and spirituality shapes individual and collective identities.
• Exploring beliefs and rituals leads to deeper understanding and purpose in life.
• Reflecting on spiritual aspects fosters personal growth and promotes a sense of connection.

Political Self

• Individuals' perception of their roles and responsibilities in a political context.
• Components of the political self include beliefs and values about governance, and actions of civic engagement and participation.

Filipino Identity

• Shaped by a mix of cultural values, beliefs, and community influences.
• Key aspects include:
• Bayanihan (community spirit), Resilience (ability to bounce back), Kapwa (shared identity), and values fostered by institutions (e.g., family, church, schools).
• Establishing a democratic culture involves participation (voting, community service), respect for diversity, rule of law (e.g., upholding laws), and critical thinking (questioning sources).

Digital Self

• How individuals present themselves online, which may differ from their real-world self.
• Influencing factors include social media, cultural norms, and personal experiences.
• Unique online interactions, selective self-presentation, and impression management are crucial aspects of digital interactions.
• Example included Goffman's "Front Stage" and "Backstage" behavior.

Impact of Online Interactions

• Positive online interactions can boost self-esteem, while negative ones can harm mental health.
  • Cyberbullying and negative feedback can cause feelings of inadequacy or loneliness.

Setting Boundaries in the Digital World

• Protecting personal information and carefully considering who sees content is crucial for maintaining a healthy online presence.