Understanding the Self

1. MODULE 2:
UNFOLDING THE
DIMENSIONS OF THE SELF
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

2. SECTION 1:
THE PHYSICAL SELF

3. LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Identify and reflect in the different forces and institutions that
impact the development of the physical self.
• Discuss the sexual development involving the human
reproductive system, erogenous zones, sexual behavior,
human sexual response, safe sex, sexual orientation
• Demonstrate critical and reflective thought in understanding
one’s sexuality, chemistry of lust, love and attachment and
the psychological aspect of being turned on

4. THE PHYSICAL SELF
BIOLOGICAL
SELF
SEXUAL
SELF

5. Biological Self
People are often recognized by their physical
features, including the face, bodily structure,
height, and weight.
The physical self is shaped by biological and
environmental factors.
However, it is surrounded by issues associated
with health, hygiene, nutrition, and standard of
beauty among others.
BIOLOGICAL
SELF

6. Biological Self
Biological
The
Blueprint
defined as the
transmission of
traits from
parents to
offspring.
HEREDITY The traits are made
up of specific
information
embedded within
one’s GENE, the
basic unit of
heredity.
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 which are triggered by
genetic transformation and biological development through heredity.
GENOTYPE PHENOTYPE
Specific information
embedded within
one’s genes.
Physical
expression of a
particular trait.
23pairs
Each individual has
of chromosomes.
The 23rd pair (Sex
Chromosomes)
determines the sex
of an individual.
combination
indicates a male.
XY
combination
indicates a female.
XX
a nucleic acid that contains the genetic
instructions specifying the biological
development of every individual.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
is known as the completion of growth of a genetic
character within an organism or the unfolding of an
individual’s inherent traits or potential.
Maturation

7. Biological Self
Environmental Conditioning
Genetic information is not the only factor that influences the physical self. As you grow up,
you are exposed to environmental influences that shape your physical self.
Family, being your first social group,
forms a crucial foundation of your
development. Your family is primarily
responsible for how you take care of
your body. Nutrition and substance was
initially established by what was cooked
in the home. Practices on hygiene were
also first transmitted by your parents.
As you grow older, you get exposed to a
larger social group with new practices and
standards. You become more conscious of
your physical appearance and begin to take
note of your height, weight, facial features,
and more. As a result, you may begin
engaging in acts that would make you
attractive and acceptable to others.

8. Biological Self
Environmental Conditioning
Contemporary media has portrayed slim bodies as the ideal body type for
women and muscular bodies for men. Thus, adolescents indulge in activities
that would enable them to achieve these ideal body types.
Some may have a healthy lifestyle like eating the
right food and engaging in sports. However,
some adolescents may resort to unhealthy
habits just to achieve this lifestyle. There has
been a steady rise of having eating disorders,
including bulimia and anorexia nervosa, that
could be attributed to the obsession of being
thin or triggered by significant role models.
A substantial number have been resorting to
cosmetic surgery to alter certain facial or body
features. There have been extreme cases of these
procedures causing negative life- altering
consequences
It is important to remember that physical beauty is
only skin-deep; that what matters is feeling good
about oneself and embracing a healthy perception of
one’s physical worth.

9. Biological Self
Achieving Physical Wellbeing
EMBRACING A
HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE
Avoid drinking,
smoking, and
other unhealthy
habits to reduce
the risk of illness
and diseases.
HEALTHY
EATING
You need to eat
the right amount
and combination
of food to ensure
your health and
sustenance.
MAINTAINING
A PROPER
HYGIENE
Taking care of
your body can
also help you feel
good about
yourself.
BEING
CONFIDENT
Self-confidence is
your best make-up
and results in an
optimal physical
well-being.

10. SEXUAL
SELF
Sexual Self
A vital aspect of one’s identity is the sexual self,
encompassing the biological, physical, emotional, and
social domains.
Bodily transformations and the development of secondary
sexual characteristics trigger the physiological response
During this stage, sexual curiosity is often at peak
and gender orientation may manifest
It is important for a person to be aware of their sexuality,
thoughts and behavior, in order to make responsible
choices concerning one’s sexual self.

11. Biology
The
of Sex
At birth, the SEXUAL GENITAL is a biological feature that distinguishes males from
females
During puberty, observable changes in the
human body also known as
SECONDARY SEXUAL
CHARACTERISTICS begin
MALES FEMALES
growth of facial &
bodily hair, emergence
of adam’s apple, and
muscle development.
for for
onset of menstruation,
& noticeable changes
in the hips, breast, and
skin.
changes include:
When physiological changes are triggered within the adolescent’s
reproductive system, they will likely to experience D
FDSFFDSFDGDF
SEXUAL URGES
These bodily
sensations are
normal and typical in
any sexual activity
since they are
triggered by
hormones produced
within the body.
The release of
triggers physiological changes in the
reproductive system.
HORMONES
These physiological sensations are part of
the SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE which
includes four phases: excitement, plateau,
orgasm, and resolution
Humans are likely to engage in
various SEXUAL ACTIVITIES
to satisfy sexual urges.
A person should be aware of his or her
sexuality and sexual attributes in order to
make responsible decisions.

12. Sexual Identity & Gender Orientation
At birth, one’s sexuality depends on his or her physical features and genitals. One’s sexuality
and gender orientation may or may not correspond with one another.
Gender is an identity that is learned and
embraced by the individual. It goes
beyond biological domains and is both a
personal and social construct.
Biological Sex and Gender Orientation are two different things
As a social construct, gender comprises the socially created roles, personality traits,
attributes, behaviors, and values attributed to men and women.
Biological sex is one’s assignment
upon birth and is dependent on physical
features

13. Sexual Identity & Gender Orientation
Gender roles refer to societal expectations of how men and women should act.
Men are assumed to be strong and
dominant while women are perceived
to be submissive and demure
However, as gender and biological sex is not always the same, A
person may have been born a man but assumes “womanly”
traits while a woman may behave like a “man”.
Sexual Identity and gender orientation underlie one’s concept of self. A person expresses his or her
sexuality through individuality, one’s beliefs, and behavioral lifestyle are based on their own
perception of sexuality.
While gender orientation and sexual identity are deemed to be social constructs, it is
important to highlight one’s self expression and moreover, become responsible in doing so.

14. The Consequences of Sexual Choice
Sexual intercourse, also known as copulation, is the reproductive act in which the male organ
enters the female reproductive tract.
However, if the woman is fertile during the time of intercourse, pregnancy is likely
to occur and it lasts approximately nine months before the birth of child.
Having a child entails a big responsibility and should not merely be a consequence of an
impulsive moment.
Physical risks to having an early pregnancy may impact on adolescent’s development, including
miscarriage, emotional stress, and health risks to both mother and infant. It may also result to
dropping out of school, alienation, and other similar social disruption.

15. The Consequences of Sexual Choice
Another consequence of impulsive and careless sexual intercourse is the risk of
acquiring sexually- transmitted diseases (STD).
These diseases are passed through the exchange of body fluids or genital contact. It may have
long term consequences to one’s health.
Symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, warts and sores in the genital and mouth
areas, pus, abnormal and smelly discharge, genital irritation and painful bowel movements.
The most alarming sexually transmitted disease is the acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

16. The Consequences of Sexual Choice
The most alarming sexually transmitted disease is the acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Usually it spreads through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, but it can also be
transmitted by contact between skin, wounds, HIV- infected blood or blood-contaminated body
fluids.
Untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS, which compromises the immune system and puts the person at
risk of illness and death.
Irresponsible sexual behavior often results in dire consequences that have significant impact on
people’s lives and futures. STDs may also ruin relationships, create negative stigma against the
person, and risk other aspects of one’s social life.

17. The Consequences of Sexual Choice
It is important that everyone makes responsible decisions with regard to sexuality3 and sexual
behavior. Responsible sexual behavior entails the following:
MATURITY IN
THOUGHTS &
DEEDS
Be objective,
rational, and calm,
instead of being
swept by one’s
emotion.
RESPECT FOR
ONE’S BODY
It means taking care
of one’s body and
avoiding activities
that undermine
one’s worth and
respect.
BEING GUIDED
BY ONE’S
PERSONAL
BELIEFS &
CORE VALUES
Always be
grounded by their
principal personal
& self worth
BEING
FUTURE-
ORIENTED
A person should
always weigh their
present actions with
possible
consequences in the
future.