Understanding the Physical Self

Physical Self

• Includes physical appearance and the brain
• Tangible aspect of a person
• The vehicle through which we interact with the world

Physical Characteristics

• Height, weight, gender, age, etc.
• Often the first things noticed by others
• Influences self-perception and how others perceive us

Physical Abilities

• Strength, speed, endurance, etc.
• Influences lifestyle, hobbies, and career choices

Components of Physical Self

• Appearance – First thing people notice
• Health – Vital component
• Abilities – Define what we can do; enables us to make us unique

Aging

• Natural part of life
• Primary Aging – Inevitable changes associated with aging (hair and hearing loss)
• Secondary Aging – Caused by diseases and environmental factors

Body Language

• Communicates feelings and intentions to others

The Physical Self and Self-Perception

• Self-Perception – How we perceive ourselves; can be influenced by our physical self
• Body Image – Mental representation of our physical self
• Self-Esteem – Influenced by our satisfaction or dissatisfaction with our physical self

Physical Abilities and Self-Perception

• Influences how we perceive ourselves

The Role of Society

• Sets standards for physical appearance
• Influences self-perception and self-esteem
• Societal Standards – Often sets the standards for physical appearance and abilities
• Media Influence – Significant role in shaping our perception of the physical self
• Cultural Differences – Have different perceptions of the ideal physical self
• Impact on Self-Perception – It's like a mirror reflecting society's views onto our self-image

Nurturing the Physical Self

• Importance of Self-Care – Crucial for overall well-being
• Healthy Lifestyle – Fueling our body with the right nutrients and keeping it active
• Rest and Relaxation – Recharging our body's battery, helping us to function at our best
• Regular Check-ups – Helps detect physical health issues early and keep our health on track
• Positive Body Image – Appreciating our body for its abilities, not just its appearance

Sexual Self

• Fundamental aspect of human identity
• Integration of sexual orientation, preferences, and behaviors into one's sense of self
• A dynamic and integral part of who we are

Defining the Sexual Self

• Sex/Biological Aspect – Inherent physiological characteristics and sexual genitalia that distinguish males and females at birth
• Gender/Sexual Orientation – Emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to others, shaping identity. Includes:
  • Homosexual
  • Bisexual
  • Heterosexual
  • Pansexual/Omnisexual
  • Asexual
• Gender Identity – Deeply-felt sense of being male, female, or somewhere along the gender spectrum, Includes
  • Cisgender
  • Transgender
  • Agender
  • Non-Binary

Sexuality's Role in Personal Identity

• How one's sexuality is expressed through behavior, appearance, and personal interactions
• Expression of Self – How one's sexuality is expressed through behavior, appearance, and personal interactions
• Navigating Sexual Identity
  • Awareness and Acceptance – Recognizing and embracing one's sexual orientation and preferences
  • Understanding how society's norms and expectations impact identity formation

Factors Influencing Sexual Identity Development

• Biological Factors - Hormonal changes during puberty can influence sexual desires and orientation
  • Puberty – one-to-three-year process of hormonal and physical change that causes the young person to reach sexual maturity
• Societal Expectations and Experiences - The norms and values of society might impact how an individual sees and expresses their sexuality.
  • Emotional Connections - A contributor in how an individual develops their sexuality

Models of Sexual Response

• Excitement- Arousal; penis erection, vagina lubrication. Bodily temperature increase
• Plateau - Continuation of heightening arousal
• Orgasm – Peak of intense pleasure; the climax
• Resolution – Body returns to normal state

Formation of Sexual Identity

• Societal Expectations - The norms and values of society can impact how individuals perceive and express their sexuality
  • Emotional Connections – Emotions help develop sexual identity
  • Self-Exploration - Understanding and accepting one's sexual orientation is a personal journey
  • External Challenges – Dealing with societal pressures and expectations

Case Studies of Sexual Identity

• Media Representation - Increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ characters in media impacts perceptions and norms

Legal Milestones

• Legalization of same-sex marriage reflects changing societal attitudes toward sexual identity

Challenges and Progress in Sexual Identity

• Workplace Discrimination - Efforts to address discrimination based on sexual orientation.
• Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM) - Recognition and support for a broader spectrum of identities
• Stigma and Acceptance – Ongoing struggle against stigma and the journey towards acceptance
• Legal and Social Milestones – Key legal decisions and social changes impacting recognition of sexual identity

Implications and Impact

• Mental Health - Implications on mental health and self-esteem
• Societal Pressure – Stress of conforming to norms or facing discrimination
• Effects on Relationships - How sexual identity shapes relationships

Cultural Expectations

• How different cultures view sexual identity can lead to varied acceptance or discrimination

Legal Implications

• Recognition of sexual identity can have significant legal implications, affecting rights and protections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Engaging in sexual contact may lead to transmission of infections
• More than 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites

Family Planning/Contraception

• Information and access are key
• Options need to be available based on individual circumstances

Material Self

• Tangible elements (body, clothes, family, home)
• Ownership and the ability to see, touch, and interact with the physical

Economic Self

• Financial status(assets, how we manage/spend/invest our finances)
• Possessions and lifestyle

Impact of Economic Status and Material Possessions

• Influence on Self-Esteem - Socioeconomic status can significantly impact individual’s self-esteem and self-worth

Access to Opportunities

• Economic status often dictates access to resources, influencing one's ability to experience different opportunities

Material Possessions and Expression of Identity

• Symbolic value - Reflecting identity and aspirations

Consumer Culture

• Identity and commodities
• Brands associated with identity
• Anxiety about making the wrong choices

Consumer Culture

• Identity as commodity
• Brands we associate with
• Anxiety and choice - the fear of making the wrong choice
• Shaping of identity through consumer encounters

Economic Systems and Self-Perception

• Allocation of Resources – Scarce resources impact individual's roles as consumers or producers, impacting self-perception
• Economic Influence – Regional/national economies affect how individuals view themselves and their material/economic self

Understanding the Spiritual Self

• Values – Core beliefs, principles guiding decisions and behavior
• Personality – Unique traits and attributes
• Beliefs – Accepted truths or certainties without immediate proof
• Essence – The intrinsic quality that defines something, especially abstractions

The Spiritual Self Across Cultures and Traditions

• Hinduism – Focus on “Atman” and connection to the universe
• Buddhism – Concept of “Anatta” or non-self, challenging the idea of a permanent self
• Christianity – Soul as the immortal essence, created/loved by God
• Islam – “Ruh” represents spiritual element, connection to the divine
• Indigenous Beliefs - Emphasize spiritual self's connection to nature and earth

New Age Spirituality

• Focuses on personal spiritual experience and the unity of all existence

Understanding Self-Concept

• Self-image including beliefs, personality traits, and values
• Spirituality's influence in shaping self-concept

Benefits of Spiritual Self-Concept

• Enhanced well-being and coping strategies
• Self-discovery and personal growth
• Interconnectedness (empathy & compassion)
• Personal Growth - Self-discovery, understanding personal strengths & weaknesses

Spirituality in Action (Shaping the Self-Concept)

• Mindfulness – Meditation to enhance self-awareness
• Compassion – Empathy for others
• Purpose – Meaning beyond material success for a fulfilling life

Who Am I as a Filipino?

• Historical perspectives (Spanish and American colonial influences)
• Contemporary perspective (1987 Philippine Constitution)

Democracy

• Greek origins
• System of government
• Power of the people, exercised through elected representatives

Ideology

• Principles or ideas forming a political theory
• Basis of economic or political ideology
• Policies and approach to policy

Majority Rule and Minority Rights

• Importance of respecting both
• Importance of protecting rights

Political Equality

• All members of society have equal access
• Equal treatment under law and government

Liberty

• Freedom from restrictions
• Freedom in behavior and political views

Unity

• Agreement and cooperation for a common purpose
• Importance of diverse opinions

Abstraction

• Non-physical properties related to technology interaction and use

Catfishing

– Pretending to be someone different on social media for attraction

Kimberley Rosenfield Estimation

• Continuum relating to abstraction
• Real-Life Reality - Life away from digital devices. Physical interactions
• Simulation – Attempting accurate portrayals of reality
• Augmented Reality – Combining real life with unreal additions
• Virtual Reality – Completely detached digital settings with unique experiences.
• Hyperreality – State of mind where reality becomes difficult to distinguish from the alternative

The Cyber Self

• Selfhood or subjectivity defined through online presence
• Identity influenced by online interactions

The Dramaturgy of the Self

• Erving Goffman's model
• Front Stage – Construction of digital selves in online activities
• Back Stage – Momentary abstinence from social media

Online Disinhibition Effect

• Removal of social inhibitions affecting online behavior

Bengin Disinhibition

• Positive side of online behavior
• Self-understanding, emotional development, etc.

Toxic Disinhibition

• Negative aspects
• Disparaging remarks, hate speech, etc.

Causes of Dissociative Anonymity

• Invisibility
• Asynchronous interactions
• Solipsistic Introjection
• Dissociative Imagination
• Minimization of Status & Authority

This quiz explores the concept of the physical self, including physical characteristics, abilities, and how they influence self-perception. It also touches on aging and body language, highlighting their roles in shaping our identity and interactions. Test your knowledge on these important aspects of being human!