Understanding Body Image and Beauty Standards

Physical Self

• Refers to the body, a complex and finely tuned machine
• The tangible aspect of a person, observable and examinable
• Understanding one's body and its limitations is crucial for self-understanding (Gordon Allport)
• Positive body image correlates with high self-esteem

Body Image

• The mental picture of one's body
• Feelings about one's body when looking in the mirror
• Actions related to managing one's body image, highly subjective

Beauty

• Subjective and culturally specific
• Different people have different beauty standards
• Traditional Indian ideals of beauty include cleanliness and graceful clothing
• Evolutionary psychologists suggest the concept of beauty is universal, with similar standards across cultures
• Beauty is often associated with symmetrical faces

Discrimination

• Height discrimination: Favoring taller individuals
• Colorism: Prejudice based on skin tone within a race or ethnicity
• Ageism: Bias based on age, impacting both young and old
• Ableism: Discrimination based on physical abilities or disabilities
• Lookism: Favoring individuals with specific facial features, often prejudice against those with differing facial features
• Hair discrimination: Prejudice related to hairstyles, texture, or natural hair types
• Gender expression discrimination: Bias against those whose appearance does not conform to traditional gender roles
• Body shaming: Negative judgments or criticism about one's body image based on weight

Sexual Self

• Biological sex: Physical attributes like chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy
• Gender identity: Internal sense of self as male, female, or another gender
• Sexual expression: External presentation of gender
• Sexual attraction: Desire or attraction to others

Visibility

• Physical attributes like sex discernible at birth (penis, vagina, intersex) often influence perception regarding gender identity

Gender

• The social structure, with practices bringing distinctions to social processes and related behaviours
• Generally, a social construct rather than strictly defined by biology
• Often associated with 'masculine' or 'feminine' behaviours, influenced by societal expectations

Dating

• Digital platforms, such as dating apps, are increasingly popular among young Filipinos, integrating into the dating landscape
• Balance between modern expectations and traditional values (family involvement) is common

Communication & Emotional Regulation

• Communication is essential in building healthy relationships: clearly and honestly expressing emotions, values, and needs.
• Active listening is crucial for understanding others and addressing issues constructively
• Honesty is essential in avoiding conflict and building trust

Risks of Dating in Adolescence

• Emotional turmoil: Intense emotions associated with romantic relationships can affect mood, anxiety, or depression
• Stress and pressure: Managing expectations related to relationships, studies, family, and other obligations
• Social risks: Peer pressure, isolation due to focusing on a relationship
• Academic distraction: Relationship concerns impacting studies
• School conflicts: Conflicts arising in shared school spaces due to relationships
• Financial pressure: Expenses associated with dating

Sexual Response Cycle

• An interplay of physical and emotional changes during sexual arousal and activity.

Family Planning and Methodologies

• Natural family planning involves avoiding intercourse during the fertile phase of menstrual cycle.
• Various method exist for contraception (hormonal, non-hormonal)

Spiritual Self

• Holistic view: Composed of body, soul, and spirit
• Focuses on meaning of life, purpose, and values
• Can involve religious beliefs or personal spiritual practices, often leading to transcendence, meaning-making, and social support

Political Self

• Good citizenship: Behaving based on established rules and norms of society
• Defining civic duties: Understanding rights and obligations within a social or political framework
• Active participation: Engaging in politics, influencing decision-making processes
• Socialization: Learning the expectation and values of a society

Digital Self

• Identity and presentation in cyberspace
• Self-presentation and disclosure are needed in online interactions
• Development of online identities and use of platforms
• Asynchronicity and accessibility influence digital interaction habits