Unpacking the Self: The Physical Self

Unpacking the Self: The Physical Self

• Learning Outcomes:
  • Understand life stages and physical changes.
  • Identify genetic and environmental factors in physical development.
  • Describe factors affecting body image.
  • Examine cultural impact on body image and self.
  • Develop a positive body image.

Physical Self

• Definition: The physical self encompasses the body, including basic parts (head, neck, arms, legs) and internal organs (brain, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, muscles).
• Function: Organs work together for functions like breathing, walking, and dancing. Physical abilities change throughout life.
• Development: Physical development is rapid in babyhood but slower during childhood.
• Crucial Stage: Adolescence is a critical period of development.
• Puberty: Physical changes, including reproductive system maturation, occur during puberty.
• Life Span: Development spans from conception to death. Elizabeth Hurlock outlined the stages in a 10-part system.

Stages of Life Span

• Prenatal: From fertilization to birth. Major body structures develop. Mother's health is crucial.
• Infancy: Birth to two weeks. Significant growth, motor skills, language, and attachment develop.
• Babyhood: Two weeks to second year. Physical, cognitive, and emotional growth accelerate as the child interacts more with their environment.
• Early Childhood: Two to six years. Logical thinking, friendships, and academic skills develop through play.
• Late Childhood: Six to 10/12 years. School skills, social interaction, and sense of competence develop.
• Puberty: 10/12 to 14 years. Dramatic physical changes, identity formation, and emotional growth.
• Adolescence: 14 to 18 years. Self-discovery, independence, physical changes, and relationships.
• Early Adulthood: 18 to 40. Intimate relationships, education, and achieving goals.
• Middle Adulthood: 40 to 60. Reflecting on life achievements and potential adjustments.
• Late Adulthood: 60 to death. Retirement, physical aging, and reflecting on life.

Factors Affecting Physical Growth and Development

Heredity

• Biological transmission of traits from parents.
• Sex and physical features are influenced by the combination of chromosomes and genes during fertilization.
• Chromosomes: Threadlike structures carrying genes; typically in pairs (23 pairs in humans).
• Genes: Carriers of hereditary traits; classified as dominant (stronger) or recessive (weaker).

Environment

• Factors affecting development after conception (e.g., diet, nutrition, diseases, learning, experience).
• Diet, nutrition, and disease play a significant role in physical growth.

Body Image

• Definition: How individuals perceive, think, and feel about their body and appearance.
• Appearance: Observable features like height, weight, skin color, clothes, and hairstyle.
• Self-Esteem: Overall evaluation of one's worth.
• Negative Effects: Poor body image can lead to:
  • Body dissatisfaction
  • Depression (low mood, appetite changes, sleep issues, agitation, difficulty concentrating)
  • Low self-esteem
  • Eating disorders (bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa)
  • Body modification (tattoos, permanent makeup, body piercing, cosmetic surgery).

Concept of Beauty

• Cultural Variations: Beauty standards change over time based on cultural values and historical periods.

  • Egyptian art: Slim figures with high waists and narrow hips.
  • Renaissance: Full figures with rounded hips were considered beautiful.
  • Some African tribes: Chubby, plump, or fat women are beautiful.
  • Some tribes in Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia: Flat noses are considered attractive.

• Universal Elements: Some elements are consistently considered beautiful throughout history.

  • Clean and unblemished skin.

• Thick, healthy hair.

• Well-proportioned bodies.

• Symmetrical faces.

• Importance: Beauty has significance in all societies – attractive individuals often have advantages.