Notes on Module 4: The Physical Self PDF

MODULE 4:\ THE PHYSICAL SELF LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Identify the different perspectives relating to the concept of physical self 2. Recognize the important role of the body in shaping oneself 3. Understand how one's body functions 4. Discriminate the impact of culture on body image and se...

MODULE 4:\ THE PHYSICAL SELF LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Identify the different perspectives relating to the concept of physical self 2. Recognize the important role of the body in shaping oneself 3. Understand how one's body functions 4. Discriminate the impact of culture on body image and self-esteem THE PHYSICAL SELF: - Refers to the **body**. - The **concrete dimension**, the **tangible aspect** of the person that can be **directly observed** and **examined**. - **William James** considered body as the **initial source of sensation** and necessary for the **origin** and **maintenance of personality**. - the body is obedient to the mind and is an expressive tool of indwelling consciousness. - **example:** a boxer in the ring who suffer severe wounds but do not notice them until the intensity of the fighting subsides - **Sigmund Freud\'s** construction of self and personality makes the **physical body the core of human experience**. - **mind and body are one**; all psychological processes are a part of physical processes, and vice versa - **For Erik Erikson, experience is anchored in the ground-plan of body.** - **the development of physical as well as intellectual skills help determine whether the individual will achieve a sense of competence and ability to choose demanding roles in a complex society.** - **For example, healthy children derive a sense of competence as their bodies become larger, stronger, faster and more capable of learning complex skills.** A table with text on it **4. HUMANISM** - According to Maslow, once the physiological needs of a person are met, the individual becomes more concerned with the higher order needs. - **For example**, a homeless person suffering from thirst and hunger will not be interested in pursuing love unless his physical needs were satisfied. - The physical self is not only limited to what can be seen by the naked eye. - Underneath the skin is a dynamic system of **biological and chemical processes** that contribute to one's physical features. - Body structure, weight, height, skin color, hair color, and other physical characteristics **do not just develop at random**. - **Heredity** refers to the **transmission of traits** from parents to offspring. - The traits are made up of specific information embedded within one's **gene**, the **basic unit of heredity**. - **Phenotype** is the **physical expression** of a particular trait. It can be directly observed. - **Genotype** refers to specific information embedded within one's genes; not all genotypes translate to an observed physical characteristic. It can be determined by blood testing. - **Sex Chromosomes** - each individual carries 23 pairs of chromosomes. The **23rd pair** is the sex chromosomes, determines the sex of an individual. - **Dominant genes** -- observable; external traits - **Recessive genes** -- not observable but is within the genetic composition of an individual - **Pedigree analysis** -- method of tracing the genetic history of a person - **Growth** refers to **quantitative changes**; an increase in size and structure. - **Development** refers to **qualitative changes**. A progressive series of orderly, coherent changes leading towards goal of maturity. - **Maturation** is known as the completion of growth of a genetic character within an organism. - It enables man to walk, run and talk which are evident in the adolescent stage. - These are released to the bloodstream and runs throughout the body which are produced by a network of glands called **endocrine system**. - Hormones are responsible for multiple processes in the human body such as controlling the rise and fall of the body throughout the day. - a surge of cortisol in the morning wakes you up - melatonin, helps to get you ready for bed in the evening - These chemicals are critical components of health, like **growth** & **development**, **metabolism**, and **reproduction**. - **Hormones** travel through the **bloodstream** to different organs and tissues. - While **neurotransmitters** only occur in the **brain** and central nervous system where they communicate directly via neurons. - Both play an important role in controlling variety of physical and psychological functions, including mood setting, eating patterns, learning, and sleep cycles. - It gives us **pleasurable sensations** and **keeps us coming back for more**. - It is naturally released when we perceive food or sex, but before you consume it. - Dopamine is the active neurotransmitter in addictions to substances (drugs and alcohol) and behaviors (gambling, sex). - It promotes bonding and trust. - Indeed, higher blood oxytocin levels have been linked to **greater perceived love**, **responsiveness**, and **gratitude** in couples. - It's produced **in response to touch** and even the right kind of **eye contact**, but also in times of stress to counterbalance the effects of cortisol. - The key hormone that **stabilizes** **mood**, feelings of **well-being**, and **happiness**. - It is essential for mood, digestion, sleep, brain function, and circadian rhythm. - Also helps to reduce depression, regulate anxiety, heal wounds, and maintain bone health. - Released to **minimize discomfort** and pain in order to **maximize pleasure**. This helps us to continue functioning despite injury or stress. - Endorphins are involved in our **natural reward circuits** and are related to important activities like eating, drinking, physical fitness, and sexual intercourse. - **Cortisol** is the **stress hormone**, helps the body respond during stressful situations by giving the body a natural energy boost. - **Adrenalin** is a hormone released into the body of someone feeling **extreme emotions**, which causes the person to have more energy. - **Insulin** is essential for life, regulates many metabolic processes that provide cells with needed energy. - **Melatonin** is a hormone that regulates our sleep and wake cycle and is sometimes used as a supplement. - **Testosterone** and **Estrogen** or the sex hormones these affect not just sexual functions but also are essential to the bones, brain, and blood vessels. - Many factors can play into the **concept of beauty**: - the way you dress, the way you act, the way you carry yourself - even things that are hard to change, like social status and wealth, race, and body size and shape - The **brain**, among its many other functions, is a **beauty detector**, in fact, that it can judge the appeal of a face before you're aware you've even seen one. - Human beauty is a reflection of cultural perceptions and ideas of aesthetics are indigenous to that area. - **Beauty is not one\'s own, but a reflection of one\'s culture.** - Across individuals and across cultures there is nevertheless considerable agreement about what makes a pretty or handsome face. - **Youthfulness** is the beauty goal in America - **Naturally flawless skin** is the beauty ideal in Europe - **Fairness** is coveted in most Asian countries - **Voluptuous figure, long bouncy hair** and **tanned skin** is considered beautiful in Brazil - Having a **slender figure** is considered an important beauty criteria is most parts of the world - In Africa, a **filled-out larger figure** is considered beautiful. 1. **Body proportion** plays a role in perception of beauty, as humans are naturally inclined to look for a mate that appears to be robust and virile. 2. **Cultural images** representing beauty can add to, and sometimes alter, humans\' natural perception of attractiveness. 3. **Enhancements** (such as jewelry, makeup, and decorative clothing) may redefine beauty according to standards perpetuated by the media, or other standards that exist within certain cultures 4. **Financial success, social popularity,** and **intelligence** can also alter the way others perceive them, sometimes virtually eliminating physical standards of beauty. **Body image** is both the mental picture you have of your own body and how you see yourself when you look in a mirror. **Self-esteem** is how you value and respect yourself as a person. Self-esteem affects how you take care of yourself, emotionally, physically and spiritually. - Having a **healthy body image** means **recognizing the qualities and strengths** that make you **feel good about yourself**. - A positive environment where friends and family are supportive of each other and accept each other\'s appearance is essential to self-esteem and body image. - It's important to remember that each body is **unique**. - Everyone's family background and environment influence their size and weight differently. HOW TO IMPROVE BODY IMAGE 1. Treat your body with respect. Eat balanced meals with a variety of nutritious foods. 2. Get enough rest so you can enjoy each day. 3. Enjoy regular, moderate exercise for the joy of feeling your body move and grow stronger, not simply to burn calories or control body fat. 4. Dress in a way that makes you feel good. 5. Respect people based on the qualities of their character and accomplishments, not just because they appear slim or well-built. Remember this, beauty is about finding the right fit, the most natural fit. To look good, you have to feel good about yourself and avoid trying to be something you're not.