Cainta Catholic College
High School Department
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Unit 1: Self-Development
MODULE 1: Knowing and Understanding Oneself during Middle and Late Adolescence
Self - consists of a person's conscious and unconscious aspects, personality, cognitions or thoughts and feelings.
Ideal Self - is the self that you aspire to be. It is an idealized image that we have developed over time, based on what
we have learned and experienced. It could include components of what our parents have taught us, what we admire in
others, what our society promotes and what we think is in our best interest.
Actual Self - is the one that you actually see. It is the self that has characteristics that you were nurtured or, in some
cases, born to have. The actual self is who we actually are. It is how we think, how we feel, look and act. The actual
self can be seen by others, but because we have no way of truly knowing how others view us, the actual self is our
self-image.
The actual self and the ideal self are two broad categories of self-concept.
Self-Concept - refers to your awareness of yourself. It is the construct
that negotiates the Ideal Self and the Actual Self.
There is negotiation that exists between the two selves which is complex
because there are numerous exchanges between the ideal and actual self.
Alignment is important. If the way that I am (the actual self) is aligned
with the way that I want to be (the ideal self) then I will feel a sense of
mental well-being or peace of mind.
If the way that I am is not aligned with how I want to be, the Incongruence, or lack of alignment, will result in mental
distress or anxiety. The greater the level of incongruence between the ideal self and actual self, the greater the level of
resulting distress.
Human Emotions - are the most feared aspect of the self, as individuals are reluctant and unprepared to manage
them. Managing feelings is like trying to hold water in the palm of your hand. They are illusive and deceptive.
Personal Development’s ultimate aim is greater self-knowledge that will lead to higher alignment between these two
personality domains.
Knowing Oneself
Adolescence – considered as the challenging phase in one’s life as it bridges childhood and adulthood. The primordial
concern in adolescence is to rise above the identity-role confusion crisis. One step towards achieving this is to
explore the concept of self and know the self better. Knowing oneself takes a lifetime of reflection and analysis.
How One Gets to Know Oneself
1. Understanding Personality
Personality - came from the Greek word ‘Persona’, which referred to a theatrical mask worn by performers in order
to either project different roles or disguise their identities. It is made up of the characteristic patterns of thoughts,
feelings and behaviors that make a person unique.
2. Appreciating Values
Values – pertains to moral codes, norms of conduct and ethical principles a person adheres to. It guide the day to day
life, empowering the person not to compromise the things that are most important. Examples are honesty, integrity,
loyalty, excellence and professionalism.
3. Knowing the Body and Physical Attributes
The physical body is a tangible proof of a person’s existence. Through the body, one can feel sensations like pain,
pleasure and warmth including awareness of his breathing, movements, balance and flexibility. Differences in
physical attributes maybe due to genetics, age, lifestyle, ailments or personal enhancements.
4. Recognizing Dreams and Aspirations
Dreams and Aspirations – serve as roadmap to the future. It constitutes a person’s goals and ambitions in life.
5. Identifying Likes and Dislikes
Being able to identify one’s likes and dislikes enables a person to define the personality and boost individual
confidence. One is most likely to pursue what is desired and avoid what is undesired.
6. Embracing the Past
Another way to know the self better is by knowing and treasuring the past. It is also important in the formation of self-
concept.
7. Understanding Self-Perception and Others’
Perception
Knowledge of the self is a product of one’s own
perception, view of oneself in relation to other people,
others’ perceptions and how a person truly is based on
objective reality.
JOHARI WINDOW
- Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, noted Social
Psychologists, introduced the concept of Johari Window.
Four Window Panes Defined:
1. Open Area – known to self and to others. It refers to
things that the public knows about you.
2. Hidden Area – known to self but unknown to others.
It refers to one’s secrets in life.
3. Blind Area – unknown to self but known by others. It consists of things that a person may not be aware but are
seen, observed and felt by other people. Examples are mannerisms and expressions.
4. Unknown Area – unknown to self and to others. This area remains undiscovered until the time comes such as an
emergency or crisis that calls for one to act instantaneously.
According to Luft and Ingham, a person can use the Johari Window to improve oneself by widening the Open Area
and reducing the Hidden and Blind Areas. It will pave the way for one to discover more about his attitude, talents,
capabilities and skills.
Prepared by:
Ms. Catherine V. Cerna, MGC, RGC, RPm
Personal Development Teacher
