UTS Finals Reviewer PDF

Lesson 6 - The Physical Self The physical self is the concrete, tangible aspect of a person. It includes physical extremities and internal organs. "To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." - Buddha The Physical Self...

Lesson 6 - The Physical Self The physical self is the concrete, tangible aspect of a person. It includes physical extremities and internal organs. "To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." - Buddha The Physical Self Defined The physical self is the concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of a person. It refers to the body, with physical extremities and internal organs working together. The body's function changes with age. Two Factors Affecting Physical Growth and Development Heredity (biological inheritance from parents). Environment (factors impacting a person throughout their lives, including learning and experiences). Additional Definitions "Man is a transitional being; this body is a bridge." - Sri Aurobindo The physical self is a marvelous container and complex, finely tuned machine. It's how we interface with our environment and fellow beings. Important Figures in the Study of the Physical Self William James considered the body as the source for sensations and necessary for personality. Sigmund Freud posited that the physical body is the core of human experience. Erik Erikson (1963) emphasized the significance of bodily organs in early development and how physical/intellectual skills impact roles in society. Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers (humanistic psychology): Their views are that the physical self, once basic needs are met, is less emphasized, and higher-order needs take over/become more important. Cultural Influences on the Physical Self Eastern traditions (particularly Indian) see the body in different ways: ranging from outright rejection to appreciation. Bodies are seen as the source of attachments, but also the vehicle for spiritual growth. Buddhist concepts of a "Middle Path" influence attitudes toward the body (neither self-indulgence nor asceticism). Beauty and Ageing The beauty industry plays a major role in societal perceptions of beauty. The female/male body is perceived as something that needs to be continually perfected. Origins of Perfection Polyclitus developed proportions that were considered perfect. The golden rectangle and golden ratio were used to create idealized facial/body forms. The Grooming Industry: A Battle for Women's Bodies The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar business controlled by a few multinational corporations (e.g., Estée Lauder, L'Oréal). The beauty industry positions women as objects of consumption. The debate revolves around women as either objects of consumption or subjects with control over their image. More Perspectives on the Physical Self Susan Orbach asserts that the "perfectible body" has become "unstable" because of cultural beliefs and images. Media images intensify the pressure to conform to beauty standards, leading to dissatisfaction, and, perhaps, unhappiness in both men and women. Germaine Greer noted that women feel they fail if they are not beautiful. Natasha Walter critiques the media's portrayal of the body as something that ought to be altered. The male population is not exempt from the beauty industry; men are increasingly getting procedures to enhance their appearance. The term "metrosexuality" has been coined to describe a modern man who values body and appearance. Media Images influencing the Physical Self Media articles may create dissatisfaction or guilt over choices made by women, especially on a societal level in the choices of motherhood, career, or both. Ageing Ageing is a key cultural topic because it affects everyone directly unlike other, smaller subgroup-level classifications such as race or disability. Gerontophobia is the fear of aging, and this anxiety might stem from perceptions of aging as inherently negative. Cultural contexts (geographical and historical) influence perceptions of "old." Lesson 7 - The Sexual Self Puberty and Physical Changes General Changes in Boys and Girls Growth spurts, body shape changes, emotional fluctuations, body hair development, increased sweating, oilier skin, and the emergence of sexual feelings. Specific Changes in Girls Physical: Curvier shape, wider hips, weight gain, breast development, menstruation onset, and vaginal discharge. Healthy Habits: Importance of diet and exercise. Specific Changes in Boys Physical: Broader shoulders, muscle growth, voice deepening, weight gain, penis and testicle enlargement, erections, and nocturnal emissions. Managing Erections: Normalized through distraction techniques. Sexual and Reproductive Systems Female Anatomy Sexual Organs: Clitoris (primary organ for pleasure), labia majora/minora, vagina (elasticity and lubrication). Reproductive Organs: Uterus (fetal development), cervix (menstrual and reproductive role), ovaries (egg production and hormone secretion). Male Anatomy Penis: Role in sexual pleasure, semen delivery, and urination. Testes: Sperm and testosterone production. Urethra: Dual function for reproduction and urination, with mechanisms preventing overlap. Epididymis and Vas Deferens: Sperm maturation and transport. Seminal Vesicles & Prostate Gland: Contributions to semen composition and health.  Love and Relationships Emotional and Biochemical Aspects 1. Types of Love: Ludus, eros, mania, philia, pragma, storge, and agape. 2. Stages of Love: ○ Lust: Driven by testosterone and estrogen. ○ Attraction: Fueled by dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. ○ Attachment: Bonding through oxytocin and vasopressin. 3. Biochemistry: ○ Adrenaline: Increases physical arousal. ○ Dopamine: Enhances pleasure and focus on a partner. ○ Serotonin: Promotes preoccupation with a loved one. Practical Insights Importance of distinguishing lust from love and fostering emotional connections for long-term relationships. Teenage Pregnancy 1. Overview: Impact on education, socio-economic stability, and young mothers’ well-being. 2. Causes: ○ Socio-economic factors. ○ Lack of sexual education. ○ Overprotective parenting styles. 3. Consequences: ○ Health risks, emotional distress, and economic challenges. ○ Increased school dropout rates and societal strains. Philippine Context High rates of teenage pregnancies in Southeast Asia, with rising cases in the Philippines. Human Sexuality and Gender 1. Definitions:  ○ Sex: Biological classification. ○ Gender: Social construct of identity. ○ Sexual Orientation: Spectrum of emotional and sexual attractions. 2. Distinctions: ○ Differences between assigned sex at birth, gender identity, and gender expression. ○ Biological roles versus societal norms. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 1. Introduction: Rising prevalence of STIs in the Philippines. 2. Types: Bacterial, viral, and parasitic. 3. Transmission: Routes include sexual contact and lack of prevention. 4. HIV and AIDS: ○ HIV Mechanism: Weakens the immune system, leading to AIDS if untreated. ○ Prevention: Emphasis on safe practices and awareness campaigns. Contraception and Family Planning 1. Overview: ○ Importance of contraceptives in preventing unintended pregnancies. ○ Educated decision-making in family planning. 2. Types of Contraceptives: ○ Hormonal and non-hormonal methods. 3. Effectiveness: ○ Comparative rates and criteria for ideal contraceptives. 4. Action Plans: ○ Encourages personal strategies for responsible sexual behavior. Lesson 8 - The Material Self "Our possessions are a major contributor to and a reflection of our identities." (Belk, RW, 1988) Russell Belk's Perspective Belk approaches identity from a consumer science viewpoint.  Integrates philosophical concepts of self and identity into consumerism. Highlights how possessions and consumable objects reflect and shape individual identity. Material Self Defined Material Self: Tangible objects, people, or places associated with the terms my or mine. Constitutes: ○ Body ○ Clothes ○ Immediate family ○ Home William James' Contribution The material self encompasses possessions, reputation, and beliefs, as these manifest one’s identity. Components: ○ Acceptance and appreciation of physical characteristics. ○ Media influence: Adolescents’ body image and beauty standards often shaped by television and internet. Basic Components of the Material Self 1. Body: ○ Physical appearance and body image as part of identity. ○ Gender differences: Girls more concerned with appearance than boys. 2. Clothes: ○ Reflect and symbolize identity. ○ Style and brand are influenced by peer groups, especially in adolescence. 3. Other Possessions: ○ Houses, cars, pets, and other personal items. ○ Relationships with family and close friends also form part of the material self. The Role of Possessions in Identity Fragile sense of self relies on possessions for support. Identity extends beyond the physical body to associative memories and relationships with places and objects.  "We are what we have and possess" (Belk, 1988). Impact of Loss of Possessions Loss of possessions equates to a loss or lessening of self (Goffman, 1961). Materialism Definition: Prioritizing material possessions over intangible values. Characteristics: ○ Excessive focus on acquiring possessions. ○ Can lead to psychological dysfunction, such as Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD). CBD Consequences: Debts and impaired functioning. Lesson 9 - The Spiritual Self 1. Spiritual Self: ○ A personal, ongoing journey influenced by belief in God, culture, relationships, nature, and the search for meaning in life. ○ Connects individuals to the sacred, supernatural, and the universe, offering a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. 2. Christina Puchalski's View: ○ Spirituality is the way individuals seek and express meaning, purpose, and their connectedness to self, others, nature, and the sacred. 3. Mario Beauregard & Denyse O’Leary: ○ Spirituality encompasses experiences connecting the individual to the divine. Development of Spiritual Self 1. Influences: ○ Begins in early childhood and evolves through life via interactions, observations, and imitations. ○ Key contributors: family, school, church, and broader environmental factors. 2. Role of Religion: ○ Religion is an organized system of beliefs and practices relating to the spiritual or supernatural. ○ While intertwined, spirituality is broader than religion and can exist independently. Core Aspects of Spirituality 1. Purpose and Meaning: ○ Extends beyond physical existence, focusing on the significance of life. 2. Connections: ○ Emphasizes relationships with other people, nature, sacredness, and divinity. 3. Sacred and Transcendent: ○ Acknowledges a higher force in the universe. ○ Shapes attitudes toward life and death, driving actions toward peace and fulfillment. Spirituality vs. Religion Overlap: ○ Spirituality can include religious practices and values. Distinction: ○ Spirituality emphasizes personal growth and the divine spark, while religion often involves structured practices. Impact of Spirituality 1. Fulfillment Beyond Materialism: ○ Material possessions may not suffice for a meaningful life; spirituality fills this gap. 2. Spiritual Goods: ○ Unlike material goods, they give life its essence and make it meaningful. ○ Spirituality fosters contentment and peace despite challenges. 3. Refuge and Balance: ○ Spirituality offers solace from everyday struggles and contrasts with material existence. Lesson 10 - The Political Self The Political Self Definition of Politics 1. What is Politics?  ○ Politics is a social institution where power is acquired and exercised by individuals and groups (Kendall, 1988). ○ It plays a key role in fostering ideologies like democracy, citizenship, human rights, and social issues like family and health (Go-Monilla & Ramirez, 2018). ○ Encourages virtuous living within a political community. The Political Self 1. Definition: ○ The Political Self reflects the interaction between internal (personal identity) and external (societal roles) factors. ○ Politics can be a central component of personal identity (Steven, Anglin, & Jussim, 2015). 2. Anchors of the Political Self: ○ Participation in political activities for societal benefit. ○ Accountability through advocacy and healthy political engagement. Politics and Power Dynamics 1. Power Inequalities: ○ Societal hierarchies grant power to individuals at the top, influencing decision-making. ○ Those who hold power also hold significant societal influence. 2. Active Citizenship: ○ Defined as engaging in decisions that affect individual and community lives. ○ Involves participation in both formal and informal political activities like rallies, assemblies, and demonstrations. 3. Practices of Active Citizenship: ○ Democratic Practice: Freedom to make informed choices and express them. ○ Social Construct: Fosters relatedness, belongingness, and community cohesion. ○ Catalyst for Change: Instills transformation and societal influence. Factors Shaping Political Attitudes  1. Family: Primary socializing agent in shaping political views. 2. Gender: Gender roles and societal expectations influence political perspectives. 3. Religion: Shapes ideologies, values, and attitudes toward societal issues. 4. Media: Acts as a channel for political information and opinion formation. 5. Race and Ethnicity: Influences experiences and perspectives on power dynamics. 6. Region: Geographical location affects exposure to political ideologies. Significance of the Political Self 1. Purpose of Engagement: ○ Advocates for the interests of all sectors in society. ○ Promotes inclusivity and accountability through political actions. 2. Role of Active Citizenship: ○ Reinforces democracy, community involvement, and drives social change. Lesson 11 - The Digital Self the Digital Self 1. Russell Belk (1988): ○ Initially, tangible possessions like clothes, jewelry, and cars were considered reflections of self-identity. ○ In the digital era, possessions such as photos, videos, and emails are integral to shaping the digital self. 2. Why a Digital Self Exists: ○ Exploration of Personas: Digital platforms allow experimentation with identities different from real life. ○ Meeting Expectations: Social pressure leads over 50% of women to edit photos to align with beauty standards. ○ Boosting Self-Esteem: Positive feedback, such as likes and comments, strengthens egos. ○ Trend Conformity: Sharing popular content (e.g., food photos) to fit in with peers. ○ Expression Without Judgment: Freedom to express oneself without physical scrutiny. ○ Appearance Enhancement: Editing tools for photos allow users to present their “ideal self.” Impact of Digital Technology on Daily Life 1. Benefits (Iqbal, Khan, and Malik, 2017): ○ Facilitates connectivity and updates on others’ activities. ○ Limits face-to-face interactions, reducing intimacy in communication. 2. Positive and Negative Outcomes (Hechanova & Ortega-Go): ○ Positives: Easier communication, debates on current issues, and expression of needs/opinions. ○ Negatives: Risks like identity theft, fake news, and false information. The Extended Digital Self 1. Five Main Concepts (Belk, 2013): ○ Dematerialization: Transition from physical to digital forms (e.g., MP3s, PDFs). ○ Reembodiment: Online representations through avatars and profiles. ○ Sharing: Collaborative participation in digital communities. ○ Co-construction of Self: Friends help shape identities through interactions (e.g., tagging, comments). ○ Distributed Memory: Digital platforms as repositories for personal and collective memories. 2. Self-Extension in Digital Platforms: ○ Attachment to avatars and virtual possessions. ○ The Proteus Effect: Online behaviors influencing offline actions. ○ Exploration of multiple identities through digital personas. Social Networking and Psychological Development 1. Social Media as a Tool: ○ Facilitates affirmation through likes, comments, and shared experiences. ○ Builds a collective self and shared understanding within communities. 2. Key Statistics (2010): ○ 86% of US teens post comments on social media. ○ 83% comment on friends’ pictures, reinforcing digital connections. 3. Narratives of Self:  ○ Identity is constructed through the integration of life events into a cohesive story. ○ The digital realm enables the creation of an “immortal virtual self” that persists posthumously. Setting Boundaries for the Digital Self 1. Guidelines for Online Safety: ○ Stick to reputable sites and guard passwords. ○ Be selective about online friends and limit shared information. ○ Avoid harmful behavior and remember online posts are permanent. 2. Data Privacy Act (RA 10173): ○ Personal data processing is lawful with explicit consent or legal provisions. Lesson 12 - Learning to be a Good Student What is Learning? Acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes through experience. A transformational process leading to personal growth and adaptation to a changing environment. Starts at birth and continues lifelong, involving direct and indirect experiences. Learning occurs through observation, imitation, and social interaction. Critical to human survival as it fosters discovery and innovation. (Source: Go-Monilla, Ma. Joycelyn and Ramirez, Normaliza, 2018) Dimensions of Learning Style 1. Learning Skills 2. Learning Preferences 3. Personality Factors Types of Learners 1. Visual Learners ○ Think in images; prefer visual aids like diagrams or pictures. 2. Kinesthetic Learners  ○ Learn through physical movement and hands-on activities. 3. Auditory Learners ○ Absorb learning through sound, music, and lectures. 4. Intrapersonal Learners ○ Reflective; learn independently through self-study. 5. Interpersonal Learners ○ Thrive in group settings and collaborative environments. 6. Verbal Learners ○ Enjoy verbal expression, language, and written communication. 7. Logical Learners ○ Prefer logical, mathematical thinking and exploring patterns. 8. Naturalist Learners ○ Relate to the natural world, finding patterns in the environment. (Source: ThoughtCo.) Sensory Preferences 1. Auditory Learners: Learn effectively from lectures and spoken information. 2. Visual Learners: Retain knowledge best with visual aids like charts and demonstrations. Experiential Learning Preferences 1. Critical Thinkers: ○ Analyze relationships, defend arguments, and think conceptually. ○ Enjoy abstract ideas, logical connections, and debates. 2. Creative Thinkers: ○ Favor unique expression through brainstorming, problem-solving, and storytelling. ○ Think holistically and embrace rule-breaking for innovative solutions. (Source: Santrock, John W., & Halonen, Jane S.) Personality Factors 1. Openness  ○ High: Curious, imaginative, adventurous, enjoys abstract concepts. ○ Low: Traditional, dislikes change, struggles with abstract thinking. 2. Conscientiousness ○ High: Organized, detail-oriented, plans ahead, meets deadlines. ○ Low: Dislikes structure, procrastinates, fails to complete tasks. 3. Extraversion ○ High: Outgoing, energized by social interactions, enjoys meeting people. ○ Low: Reserved, prefers solitude, finds socializing draining. 4. Agreeableness ○ High: Trusting, empathetic, cooperative, enjoys helping others. ○ Low: Competitive, manipulative, lacks interest in others’ feelings. 5. Neuroticism ○ High: Experiences stress, mood swings, and anxiety. ○ Low: Emotionally stable, relaxed, resilient under stress. Lesson 13 - Goals and Self-Development Quote by Abraham Maslow "If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life." Definition of Goals A goal is the object toward which behavior is directed, usually within a specified timeframe. Goals: ○ Direct attention, effort, and actions. ○ Motivate people to create strategies for better performance. ○ Provide satisfaction and motivation upon accomplishment or frustration if unmet. Source: Locke & Latham (2006); Monilla & Ramirez (2018) Benefits of Setting Goals 1. Clarify Your Values  ○ Values guide beliefs and attitudes about what is important in life (e.g., family, career, education). ○ "Values are not trendy items that can be traded in." – Ellen Goodman 2. Develop Your Competence ○ Set goals and create personal plans with sub-goals. ○ Track progress and develop a growth mindset. 3. Manage Your Life ○ Take responsibility for successes and failures. ○ Develop an internal locus of control—believe effort drives achievement. ○ Persist through challenges and manage time effectively. 4. Expand Your Resources ○ Leverage support systems like family, friends, academic advisors, and counselors. 5. Know Yourself ○ Explore identity through questions like Who am I? and What do I want to do with my life? 6. Develop Self-Esteem ○ Believe in your abilities and improve skills. ○ Seek emotional support and social approval while coping with challenges. Make More Out of Yourself Increase your value by living optimistically and defeating negative attitudes. Set valuable, new goals and develop a strong personality. Learning to Set Goals Goal setting transforms lives by providing focus and shaping dreams. Goals motivate us to take actionable steps and overcome obstacles. Components of powerful goals: 1. Inspiring – Motivate you to take action. 2. Believable – Feel achievable. 3. Actionable – Provide specific steps to accomplish them Lesson 14 - Taking Charge of One’s Health Self-Care  Definition: Active and powerful choice to engage in activities to achieve/maintain optimal overall health. ○ Components: Physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual health. (US Institute of Medicine, 2013) Wellness Definition: ○ A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, beyond the absence of disease. (World Health Organization, 2014) ○ A conscious, self-directed, evolving process to achieve full potential. (National Wellness Institute, 2012) Self-Compassion Extends kindness, care, and understanding towards oneself when facing shortcomings. Linked to diminished anxiety, better emotional coping, and compassion for others. (Gostrengths, 2012; Psychcentral, 2014) Holistic Approach to Wellness Six Dimensions of Wellness: 1. Physical: Sleep, exercise, nutrition, relaxation techniques. 2. Emotional: Self-awareness, healthy expression of emotions. 3. Intellectual: Curiosity, collaboration, continuous learning. 4. Spiritual: Religious practices, meditation, connection with nature. 5. Social: Relationships with family, friends, and peers. 6. Occupational: Job satisfaction, skill application. Self-Care Strategies 1. Physical Wellness: Avoid caffeine/alcohol, engage in physical activity, prioritize sleep. 2. Emotional Wellness: Reflect, acknowledge feelings, practice self-awareness. 3. Intellectual Wellness: Explore new ideas, work with diverse groups. 4. Social Wellness: Build strong relationships, participate in gatherings.  5. Time Management: Prioritize tasks, learn to say no, avoid overburdening yourself. 6. Stress Management: Relaxation techniques, stress diaries, and talking to others. 7. Seek Help: Utilize family, counselors, and health professionals. Improving Mental Health Positivity: Tell yourself something positive. Gratitude: Write down things you're grateful for. Set Goals: Realistic and achievable goals provide motivation. Self-Care: Eat well, exercise, hydrate, and sleep adequately. Build Support Systems: Surround yourself with good people. Help Others: Acts of kindness contribute to personal well-being. Stress Management: Learn techniques to cope effectively. Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to get assistance when needed. 7 Basic Psychological Needs 1. Personal significance. 2. Unconditional acceptance and love. 3. Clear limits and discipline. 4. Sense of competence. 5. Belonging and affiliation. 6. Scope for self-expression. 7. Transcendence and appreciation of beauty. Mindfulness and Reflection Reflect for 20 minutes daily. Focus on the present moment and productive activities. Redirect overthinking into productive channels.