Personality and Self in Modern Society

Personality & Self: A Transition

• The concept of "self" has been a topic of debate and conceptualization throughout history.

Social Constructivism

• Argues that the self should not be viewed as a static entity that remains constant.

The Modernized Society

• Modernization has significantly impacted society and how individuals develop their self-identity.
• Pre-modern society focused on survival, with behavior guided by social rules and traditions.
• Family and immediate surroundings traditionally provided life guidance.

Key Characteristics of Modernity (Giddens, 1991)

• Industrialism involves the use of material power and machinery in all production processes.
• Capitalism is characterized by competitive product markets and the commodification of labor power.
• The institution of surveillance is marked by increased power and reach by institutions, especially in government.
• Dynamism involves vigorous activity and progress.

Social Groups

• Organic Groups are influenced by family and foster a deep sense of belonging.
• Rational Groups are formed based on shared self-interests, such as Barkada, Clubs, and Organizations.

Social Networks

• Refers to the ties and connections linking individuals to their social group.
• Culture involves adapting to social situations and social norms.

Example of a Social Network

• Being a father, husband, worker, and friend.

• Language, including regional and pop culture dialects, shapes interactions based on the work of Mead and Vygotsky.

• Gender is the role we portray and adopt, differing from sex, which is the physiological makeup of a person.

Big Five Personality Traits: The 5-Factor Model of Personality

• The Big Five Personality Traits, also known as OCEAN or CANOE, is a psychological model describing five broad dimensions of personality:
  • Openness
  • Conscientiousness
  • Extraversion
  • Agreeableness
  • Neuroticism
• These traits are considered relatively stable throughout an individual's life.

Conscientiousness

• Conscientiousness involves being disciplined and careful, as opposed to impulsive and disorganized.

Agreeableness

• Involves being trusting and helpful, as opposed to suspicious and uncooperative.

Neuroticism

• Involves being calm and confident, as opposed to anxious and pessimistic.

Openness to Experience

• Involves being imaginative and spontaneous, as opposed to preferring routine and practicality.

Extraversion

• Involves being sociable and fun-loving, as opposed to reserved and thoughtful.

• The Big Five traits remain relatively stable throughout life but are influenced by genes and the environment, with an estimated heritability of 50%.

• They can also predict important life outcomes like education and health.

Conscientiousness

• Describes a person's ability to regulate impulse control for goal-directed behaviors, including elements like control, inhibition, and persistence.

Conscientiousness vs. Lack of Direction

• Individuals high in conscientiousness are organized, disciplined, detail-oriented, thoughtful, and careful.
• They have good impulse control, enabling them to complete tasks and achieve goals.
• Individuals low in conscientiousness may struggle with impulse control, leading to difficulty in completing tasks and fulfilling goals.

Real-Life Impact of Conscientiousness

• Conscientiousness is the strongest predictor of job performance.

• Individuals high in conscientiousness tend to have better health outcomes and longevity.

• High conscientiousness predicts better high school and university grades.

• Low conscientiousness predicts juvenile delinquency.

• Agreeableness refers to how people tend to treat relationships with others.

• Agreeableness focuses on people's orientation and interactions with others, while extraversion consists of the pursuit of relationships.

The Self from the Western Thought

• Socrates is known for his Socratic method, where ideas are tested through questioning to determine underlying beliefs and knowledge.

• The soul is immortal, and caring for the soul is the task of philosophy. Virtue is necessary to attain happiness.

• His famous quote: "the unexamined life is not worth living".

• Self-knowledge and examining one's self is the question about how one ought to live and can improve your life.

Two Kinds of Existence

• Visible

• Invisible

• The goal of life is to be happy, and death is insignificant.

• Plato was a student of Socrates, best known for his Theory of Forms, which asserts that the physical world is not the real world.

Plato's Philosophy

• The Soul is the most divine aspect of the human being.
• Three parts of the soul:
  • The appetitive
  • The rational
  • The spirited

St. Augustine of Hippo

• A major Christian thinker influenced by Plato's Theory of Forms, believed eternal concepts exist within God, where the soul also belongs. The soul holds truth and is open to scientific reasoning.

• He viewed the self as an inner, immaterial "I" with self-awareness and self-knowledge. Humans are both soul and body, with the body providing;

  • Senses
  • Imagination
  • Memory
  • Reason
  • Mind

• Through which the soul interacts with the world.

Philosophical Views

• Humans perceive material objects through their senses.
• God is immaterial and can only be fully understood by focusing on one's soul.
• As both soul and body, humans are meant to seek divine and higher matters. The human mind shares some similarities with God in its intellect abilities.

Rene Descartes

• A French philosopher called the Father of Modern Western Philosophy, emphasized the use of reason, observation, and empirical evidence.

Major Contributions of Descartes

• Methodological Skepticism, a systematic process of doubting beliefs to determine what is truly certain.
• "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am): The act of doubting proves the existence of a thinking entity.
• Concept of the Self: The self is constant, unchanging, and not affected by time. Identity comes from the immaterial soul, not the physical body.

John Locke

• John Locke was an influential Enlightenment thinker during the Age of Reason in the 18th century.

Concept of the Self: John Locke

• Expanded the idea of the self to include memory.
• The self is defined by consciousness, which remains consistent over time.
• Memory defines the self; a person remains the same over time as long as they remember past thoughts, experiences, and actions.
• Memory provides continuity, allowing one to maintain identity over time.
• Accountability for past actions depends on remembering them; punishing someone for actions they don't remember is unfair.
• If a person cannot remember an act, it is as if they never committed it and are therefore ignorant of it.

David Hume

• David Hume was a Scottish philosopher, economist, and historian in the Age of Enlightenment.

• Hume's empiricism defines the self as simply a "bundle of collection of different perceptions.”

Immanuel Kant

• Immanuel Kant believed that perceptions are organized by an organizing principle.

Kant's Views

• Consciousness of Self: Involves inner sense and acts of apperception.
• Components of Self: Includes inner and outer self.
• Organizing Information: Entails raw perceptual input, recognizing concepts, and reproducing in the imagination.

Sigmund Freud

• Sigmund Freud was an influential philosopher, physiologist, and psychologist.
• He is known for psychoanalysis, a practice to treat mental illness through dialogue.

Key Concepts in Freud's Psychoanalysis

• Levels of Consciousness:
  • Conscious
  • Pre-conscious/ Sub-conscious
  • Unconscious
• Unconscious Mind:
  • Repressed Memories
  • Anxiety-Provoking Drives
• Structure of the Mind:
  • ID (Pleasure principle)
  • EGO (Reality principle)
  • SUPEREGO (Represents conscience)
• Two Systems of the Superego:
  • Conscience
  • Ideal Self

Gilbert Ryle

• Gilbert Ryle believed that the self is simply a collection of behaviors.

Paul Churchland

• He suggests that the “self” is not an entity one can locate and analyze but simply the convenient name that people use to refer to all the behaviors.

• Your actions define your concept of “self”.

• Paul Churchland is known for his work in neurophilosophy and the philosophy of mind.

• He holds a materialistic view, believing that only physical matter exists.

• The theory of Eliminative materialism asserts that common-sense beliefs about the mind are false and that certain mental states do not exist.

Maurice Merleau-Ponty

• He emphasized that the body is the primary way we experience and understand the world, with his concept emphasizing "self is embodied” subjectivity.
• The self is an embodied subject, both physical (body) and conscious (mind), allowing a person to act upon and influence the world.
• The body and mind are inseparable, functioning as a single, unified experience.
• He rejected Cartesian Dualism, arguing that separating mind and body is a misunderstanding.

The Self in Western and Eastern Oriental Thought

• Cultural differences between Eastern and Western cultures shape perceptions of the "self.”
• Richard Shweder argued that cultural traditions create ethnic variations in the mind, self, and emotions.
• The Western tradition uses a binary, dichotomous style of thinking.
• Frank (1985) identified four categories in which the term "self" is used in contemporary Western discussions.

Analytical

• Reality is understood by breaking parts down. Monotheistic
• A unified, controlled self-system is based on one force, with belief in God.

Individualistic

• Identity originates from self-expression and personal goals.

Materialistic/Rationalistic

• Focuses on logic, facts, and measurable evidence.

The Oriental/Eastern Thoughts Confucianism

• Focuses on ethical conduct, relationships, and social harmony.

• View of the Self: The self is shaped by upbringing and environment.

• The self is defined by its role in society, requiring proper actions according to relationships.

• Emphasis is placed on a "subdued self" with moral responsibility, proper behavior to others, virtue, and wisdom.

Taoism

Focuses on living in harmony with the universe, accepting change, and avoiding strict rules.

Taoism

• View of the Self: The self should not be forced or controlled.
• There's no fixed definition of the self.

Buddhism

• Focuses on eliminating suffering by letting go of attachments and desires.

• View of the Self: The self does not truly exist, it's an illusion created by desires and attachments.

• To find peace (Nirvana), one must detach from material things.

• Anatta: No self

• "Life is a process"

Islam

• Focuses on spiritual growth, self-discipline, and accountability before God.

• View of the Self: The self (Nafs) depends on how you nurture and control it through faith and actions.

• The self must be disciplined and guided by moral principles. The self must discipline and be guided by moral principles.

• CONFUCIANISM- SELF IN SOCIETY

• TAOISM- SELF IN FLOW OF NATURE "LET THINGS BE"

• BUDDHISM- THE SELF OF ILLUSION “THE SELF IS CHANGING/PROCESS"

• ISLAM-THE SELF AS MORAL BEING

• Beauty is not just about outward appearance it's about the light you bring by simply being yourself.

Two Debated Views About Beauty

• Beauty is objective (before 18th century)
• Beauty is subjective (18th century)

Beauty is Objective

• St. Augustine believed that things gave delight because it was beautiful.
• Plato conceptualized beauty as a response to love and desire.
• He argued that beauty exists in the realm of forms and that things look beautiful because they reflect the idea of beauty that already exists in the realm of forms.
• Aristotle argued that the main forms of beauty are order, symmetry, and definiteness, which can be demonstrated by mathematical science.

Beauty is Subjective

• David Hume Beauty is no quality in things themselves; it exists merely in the mind which contemplates them."
• Immanuel Kant "The judgment of taste is not a judgment of cognition, and is consequently not logical but aesthetical.
• Francis Hutcheson "The perception of beauty does depend on the external sense of sight; however, the internal sense of beauty operates as an internal or reflex sense. The same is the case with hearing.

Psychology Discovery About Beauty

• Studies reveal that people who view themselves as attractive tend to earn more than those who see themselves as average-looking.

• Active engagement in social and political issues increases the chance of voting for candidates based on their visibility.

• These study results can be attributed to a cognitive bias called the "halo effect”.

• Tendency to see attractive people as having better personalities and skills.

• The most important and permanent element of facial attention is the structural features of the face.

• In addition, our hormones form our faces. These gender-specific facial features of adult men and women cause testosterone to be exposed during a person's development.

How Cultural Traditions Shape Body Image

• Cultural traditions can positively or negatively impact body image and self-esteem.

• Body image is how one thinks and feels about their own body.

• Cultural values influence what is considered attractive or acceptable in a society.

• People join cultural groups to shape their identity.

• Culture influences friendships, media consumption, and even partner choices.

• When culture is deeply embedded in a person's life, its conscious and unconscious effects on body image become hard to resist.

The Relationship Between Body Image and Self-Esteem

• The term self-esteem was coined by William James in 1800, defining it as the number of successes a person achieves in life domains that are important to them. In the 1960s, behavioral scientists described self-esteem as an attitude concerning one's worth as a person.

• Body image is the way you look at your body, make yourself look attractive, and make yourself look like some other people.

• Having a positive image of your body allows you to choose and accept yourself, regardless of fitting the popular notion of "beautiful.”

The Importance of Physical Beauty

• Understanding the true definition of physical beauty is essential for maintaining self-confidence.

• Physical beauty is defined as “the degree to which a person or their physical characteristics are considered pleasant or beautiful.

• Don't assume a fixed definition of beauty– standards vary from person-to-person.

• Self-image problems arise when one's appearance doesn't align with their perception of beauty.

• To have a positive self-image and improve self-confidence, it is crucial to understand misconceptions about physical attraction.

• Recognizing that beauty standards are subjective can help foster self-acceptance.

Let's Talk About Sex

• Sexual self refers to the individual's feelings, actions, and behavior concerning various aspects as development of secondary sex characteristics, human reproductive system, the erogenous zones of the body, the biology of sexual behavior, chemistry of lust, love, and attachment, among many others.

Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics and the Human Reproductive System

• The development of the reproductive system begins immediately after fertilization, with rapid reproductive development in the uterus.
• Before puberty, the reproductive system undergoes minimal changes; without specific genetic instructions, all fertilized eggs develop as female.
• Male development is triggered by the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, which initiates a cascade of chemical reactions.
• Both male and female embryos start with identical cells that can develop into either male or female gonads.

Further Sexual Development that Occurs at Puberty

• Puberty is the stage of development where individuals become sexually mature, separated into five stages with varying characteristics for girls and boys.

Sexual Development Stage

• Stage 1: Girls begin to experience the enlargement of ovaries and hormone production (ages 8-11), while boys have internally more active male hormones (ages 9-12).
• Stage 2: Girls generally start experiencing breast development, while boys begin to show muscle tissue and fat development (ages 9-15).
• Stage 3: Girls experience further breast growth and darker/coarser pubic hair, while boys experience penis growth (ages 11-16).
• Stage 4: Girls may notice changes to the areola, while boys experience penis growth in width (ages 11-16).
• Stage 5: Girls reach full height and begin ovulating regularly, while boys reach their full adult height and may require shaving (ages 14-18).

Erogenous Zones of the Body

• Erogenous zones are highly sensitive to stimuli, can be sexually exciting.
• Non-Specific Skin: Similar to any other portion of the usual haired skin, such as sides and back of the neck, the axilla, and side of the thorax.
• Specific Skin: Found in the mucocutaneous regions of the body, or those regions made up of mucous membrane and cutaneous skin, such as prepuce, penis, the female external genitalia, perianal skin, lips, and nipples.

Sexual Response Cycle

• Is the sequence of physical and emotional changes during sexual arousal and activity, including intercourse and masturbation.

Phases

• Excitement: Muscle tension, heart rate, and breathing increase, skin may flush, nipples become hardened, and blood flow increases to the genitals.
• Plateau: Changes from phase 1 intensify, heightened vagina sensitivity.
• Orgasm: Muscle contractions, rapid breathing/heart rate, sexual tension release, rash may appear.
• Resolution: Body returns to normal, intimacy is enhanced.

Roles of the Brain in Sexual Activity

• Translates nerve impulses and controls the nerves/muscles.
• Sexual thoughts are theorized to lie in the cerebral cortex.
• Emotions originate in the limbic system. The brain releases physiological hormones.

Roles of Hormones in Sexual Activity

• Oxytocin (aka "love hormone"), Fsh, Lh
• Vasopressin, Estrogen & Progesterone

Understanding the Chemistry of Lust, Love, and Attachment (Stages of Falling in Love)

• Lust, Attraction, Attachment
• Three chemicals trigger this feeling:
  • Norepinephrine: Increased heart rate, loss of appetite, and desire to sleep
  • Dopamine: Associated with motivation and goal-directed behavior.
  • Serotonin: Thought to cause calm.

Gender Differences on Sexual Desire

• Gender differences in sexual desire are influenced by sociocultural and political factors.
• Physiological arousal is not always required for sexual desire,.
• Sexual orientation refers to a person's attraction to the same sex, opposite sex, or both sexes.
• Gender identity is one's personal sense of being male or female.
• Cultural, societal, and family factors are interconnected with sexual orientation and gender identity issues.

Urban Settings

• Provide a friendlier environment for same-gender.

• Sexual abuse can affect sexuality in adulthood.

• Transmitted through sexual contact via bodily fluids.

• Can have an effect on one's self concept, as well as the individual's family.

• Symptoms may include genital sores.

• Various outbreaks and stigma.

• The following are types of STDs:

  • Herpes: Causes painful blisters around the mouth or genital area.
  • Crab Louse (Pubic Lice): Causing severe itching.

• Gonorrhea: Bacterial infection of the genitals, rectum, and throat

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Can lead to cervical cancer.

  • Syphilis: Begins as painless sores and can cause damage to organs.

• Chlamydia: Can cause pain, discharge, or infertility.

• HIV: Attacks the immune system, eventually causing AIDS.

• Trichomoniasis: Parasitic infection with itching, discomfort, and discharge.

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012

• Intended for a national policy on Reproductive Health.
• Benefits of family planning include better health, time, resources for herself, the family, mother and children.

Natural Family Planning Methods

• Periodic abstinence (fertility awareness) method.
• Rhythm (calendar) method: Tracks menstrual history.
• Cervical mucus (ovulation) method: Examines cervical mucus.
• Basal Body temperature monitoring: Monitors daily temperature.
  • Use of breastfeeding Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): Suppresses ovulation.

Hormonal Contraception/Artificial Family Planning

• Oral Contraceptives (pill): Synthetic hormones.
• Transdermal contraceptive patch: Medicated patch on the skin.
• Vaginal ring: Slow hormone release through vaginal wall.
• Subdermal Implants: Steroid progestin from polymer capsules.
• Hormonal Injections: Given once every three months to suppress ovulation.

Barrier Methods

• Intrauterine device: T-shaped device with copper or hormones.
• Chemical barriers: Spermicides and gels.
• Diaphragm: Dome-shaped barrier blocking sperm.
• Cervical cap: Silicone cup covering the cervix.

Other Methods

• Male condom: Latex sheath trapping sperm during ejaculation.
• Female condoms: Thin pouch serving as a protective barrier..

Surgical Methods/Permanent Contraception

• Vasectomy: Tube carrying sperm is cut.
• Tubal ligation: Disrupts egg movement, and sperm from traveling up.