Physical Self

Physical Self Female and Male Beauty

 refers to the body, this marvelous container & complex,
finely tuned, machine w/ which we interface w/ our
 Female beauty is also defined by youth &
environment & fellow beings.
fertility aside from health and good genes.
 It is the concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of the  Features such as high cheekbones, full
person that can be directly observed & lips, narrow jaws & large eyes imply low
examined.  (Singh 2018) testosterone & high estrogen, w/c are
 The body is one of the objects that most people would indicators of fertility.
want to change to enhance one’s  Male beauty on the other hand is said to be
appearance…..seemingly, to appear beautiful. associated w/ physical traits that are
predominantly determined by their hormone
The Influence of Culture to Beauty (testosterone) & good gene such as strong jaws,
De Mello (2014)) noted that for the evolutionary big muscles, heavy brows, thin lips, tall
psychologists, beauty is universal if all cultures appear to have structure, & broad cheekbones.
the same notion of what is beautiful & that it is helpful for
people to survive. HOWEVER, for a woman who considers to have a long-
Evolutionary perspective explains that both men & term or short-term relationship w/a man, her preference
women have to develop physical features that not only make may vary.
one beautiful but w/c are considered indicators of health & It is mentioned that for women who intend to have a
good gene. long-term relationship, men w/ capabilities to raise their
Swami and Harris (2012) added that for the family on the basis of financial means are said to be
evolutionary psychological approach a person’s inclination for more attractive than those who possess physical
physical attractiveness & choice of a mate is dependent on the masculinity & fertility.
latter’s capability for reproduction.
 The indicators of fitness (health & good gene) Beauty Cultural
are clean, unblemished skin, thick shiny hair, & Beauty is cultural as well.
symmetrical face.
De Mello (2014) notes that in:
 More so, individuals w/ unusual facial features
India- beauty comprise cleanliness, graceful use of
are seen as more beautiful since they are more
clothing, how a woman carries herself, if her skin, hair
noticeable than those w/ average facial features.
& bindi on the forehead are well cared for.

Africans in the past- only a woman w/ face or body

scarification is considered beautiful; a woman w/ large
plates inserted into the lower & sometimes upper lip is & unattainable standards of beauty?
beautiful & considered marriageable.  The harsh treatment from various media
(e.g. magazines and advertisements)
 Long nose for European imply beauty. received by women who do not meet the
society’s standards of beauty.
 Few Asian countries like Malaysia, Philippines and
Indonesia, flat noses are considered beautiful before – This kind of treatment has psychological
colonization implication as it affects women at its
core. The latter leads to the development
 In Japan, beauty is said to be symbolized by the geisha. of low self-esteem, negative body image,
 In South Korea, standards of beauty are said to include eating disorders, stress, and anxiety.
round eyes, pale skin, sharp nose and long legs
although in reality, these features are unusual among
them. Britton (2012) mentioned that by putting photo-shopped
and computer-enhanced models in advertisements,
 In the Philippines, our preference for beauty is highly society has built up impossible standards of beauty, w/c
influenced by our much love for movie and television has led to feelings of inadequacy among women.
actors and actresses that we idolize. Thus, standards of
Despite the costs (financial & psychological),
beauty are characterized by fair skin, long, straight
some still risk undergoing procedures to compensate for
black hair, tall nose, and slanted eyes.
the negative feelings they have about their body image.
 For scientists, a face is attractive when ideal
measurement is achieved for the space between the
eyes, the length of the chin, the height of the eyes, the  Why is it that women and men alike feel bad
length & width of the nose, & the width & the shape of when their physical appearance is put in bad
the mouth. light?
 Good looks seem to be one of the sources
Importance of Beauty of esteem. But this is not a good source
of esteem since beauty fades as one gets
 Its importance is derived in the premise that it is the older, still a lot of women & men
face that we become aware of when we encounter conform to the society’s standards of
people. beauty to maintain their youthful look.
 What we observe makes a difference in the way Ultimately, looking young despite old
we perceive them. Both men & women, although age, increases one’s self-esteem.
women appear to be more conscious of their
beauty, take extra effort, time & money to
• De Mello (2014) also noted the significant role
engage in activities that enhance their
that beauty plays in possible success- career &
appearance just to meet the beauty standards
relationship wise push women to conform to
that modern society seem to promote.
beauty standards.
 Why do some people adapt to the seemingly unrealistic
 Accordingly, the overwhelming emphasis
 on beauty as psychologists say results to sense of being male or female, our capacity to
difficulty in obtaining gratification in their experience sexual pleasure, our identification of
relationship for both men & women, as well as, ourselves in view of our biological sexual
women being forced to subscribe to costly characteristics
beauty products & risky cosmetic surgeries.  SEX is of Latin origin which denotes “to cut or
Others go to extreme measures as body modification to meet divide.” (Nevid, et. al, 1995) which is expressed
the society’s standards of beauty. in the binary of male or female due to having
external genitalia of penis & vagina.
 Body modification refers to the physical alteration of
the body through the use of surgery, tattooing, piercing,  One term that is sometimes used interchangeably
scarification, branding, genital mutilation, implants, & w/ sex is GENDER w/c signifies the state or
others (De Mello,2014). experience of being male or female. Gender
results from socialization within one’s culture
 gender identity refers to one’s concept of being
• In contrast to health-risky procedures men & women male or female
who are unsatisfied w/ their physical appearance go  gender roles comprise of behavioral
through some practices that seem to promote body expectations for both male and female within a
preservation. particular society or culture.
 These are usually observed in some religious  gender expression which denotes how a person
practices which are fasting, abstinence, & self- objectifies his or her gender identity through
mortification. manner of dressing, appearance, or demeanour

Conclusion  sexual orientation is defined as one’s erotic

attraction & romantic interest w/ the opposite or
In conclusion:
same gender. Examples of sexual orientation are
Beauty or beautiful is a concept automatically attached homosexuality, bisexuality, & heterosexuality
to the body. The society’s standards of beauty sometimes
contribute to the development of a person’s unhealthy body
image or incapacitating beliefs.
Therefore, beauty should not be used as a measure of a
person’s worth. Nonetheless, the physical aspect is one of the
areas that a person may improve on so that he can achieve a
healthy self-image.

Sexual Self
Primary sexual characteristics
 Sexuality refers to the ways in which human beings
experience & express themselves as sexual beings. Our  female sex organs include the vagina, a
 barrel-like structure extending upward from the 6. Lighter body hair
vaginal opening, measuring 3-5 inches when at rest. 7. Enlarged breasts
This is where menstrual flow & babies pass & 8. Muscles begin to be hidden by body fat
where a penis penetrates during sexual intercourse. 9. Wider and rounder hips
The cervix is a canal that connects vaginal tube & 10. Smaller hands and feet sizes
the uterus. Both the cervical & vaginal 11. Thighs: wider at top and shorter in length,
passageways secrete substances to maintain 12. Shorter and smoother legs
chemical balance in the organ.
• Sex drive or lust is characterized by the urge to
 Male sex organ includes a penis, used for experience pleasure through sexual intimacy w/
copulation while the scrotum, pocket-like structure someone & is influenced by neurophysiological
of loose skin consisting of two compartments that mechanisms such as certain areas in the brain & the
hold the testes, the male sex organ hanging inside production of hormones like estrogens & androgens.
the scrotum, that produce sex hormones & sperm
cells. Our experience of lust is thought to be mediated by
both the cerebral cortex or the thinking part of the
Secondary sex characteristics brain & the limbic system, portion of the brain that
deals w/three key functions: emotions, memories &
Male Secondary Sex Characteristics arousal
1. Facial hair The limbic system regulate sexual processes
2. More defined facial/head features through the hypothalamus, w/c subsequently
3. Thicker and longer neck oversees the body’s hormonal system through the
4. Shoulders: broader, squarer pituitary gland.
5. Larger chest
6. Growth of more body hair in chest and arms • The pituitary gland directs the sex glands in both males
7. Breasts: rudimentary in size & females to secrete sex hormones like estrogen &
8. More defined muscular development progesterone in females, and androgens like
9. Narrowing of hips testosterone in males.
10. Growth of hands and feet • Apparently, though, the said female sex hormones are
11. More developed thighs more directly linked with receptivity to reproduction. It
12. Longer and bulging calve legs is androgens like testosterone that is predominantly
present in males and present in females at a minimum
• Female Secondary Sex Characteristics level that govern the experience of lust. (Nevid, et.al.;
1. Facial hair: appears though not so noticeable 1993).
2. More subtle facial features: facial roundness, smaller • Romantic love. Often the beginning of most long-term
and rounder head smaller relationships or the most common reason why people
3. Shorter neck; larynx smaller decide to commit or marry in due time, this love is
4. Shoulders: more rounded, sloping characterized by strong feelings of attraction &
5. Smaller chest passionate desire for the other person.
 • It may start as an infatuation where one may find himself or explains why some people may have sexual relations w/
herself preoccupied most of the time w/ the thought of the another, while being deeply attracted to another person, & is in
person of interest, the urge to be in the presence of the other— a committed relationship w/yet, another individual.
a situation people often call “being in love” or “falling in
love.” The triangular theory of love
• Our experience of such kind of “love” seems to be governed by  is a theory of love  developed by Robert Sternberg. In the
the attraction system in our brain characterized by an context of interpersonal "the three (3)components of
increased production of the neurotransmitters dopamine & love, according to the triangular theory, are intimacy
norepinephrine and low level of serotonin. component, passion component, &
• Attachment is a phenomenon regulated by emotion system in decision/commitment component.
the brain through the neuropeptides oxytocin & vasopressin
w/c are released by hypothalamus. PASSION
• In humans, these are usually released after partners • Passion can be associated with either physical arousal/
experienced fullness of sexual union(vasopressin), during emotional stimulation.
childbirth & nursing a baby(oxytocin), cuddling, & other • Passion is defined as:
emotionally intimate activities. 1. A strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for
• These brain chemicals have been found to facilitate pair something or about doing something
bonding, group bonding and mother-infant bonding in 2. A strong feeling (such as anger) that causes
mammals. people to act in a dangerous way
3. strong sexual or romantic feeling for someone

INTIMACY
• Intimacy is described as the feelings of closeness &
attachment to one another. This tends to strengthen the
tight bond that is shared between those two individuals.
Having a sense of intimacy helps create the feeling of
being at ease w/one another, in the sense that the two
parties are mutual in their feelings.
• Intimacy is primarily defined as something of a personal
or private nature; familiarity.

COMMITMENT
• Commitment involves a conscious decision to stick w/
one another. The decision to remain committed is mainly
These 3 emotion systems in the brain may be considered as the determined by the level of satisfaction that a partner
different components we are interchangeably, or simultaneously, derives from the relationship.
referring to every time we use the word love. • Commitment is defined as:
These emotion circuits in the brain are intertwined w/ one • A promise to do/ give something
another, yet, they could function differently & independently. This • A promise to be loyal to someone/something
 • The attitude of someone who works very hard to do/support targets.
something
• The amount of love one experiences depends on the absolute In addition, 14% of teens in the 15-19 age group are found to
strength of these 3 components, & the type of love one be either first time mothers or already mothers of more than one
experiences depends on their strengths relative to each other. child (YAFS, 2013, Salvador, et. al, 2016).

Filipino teenage sexuality issues Material Self

Despite the commonly professed belief in the importance of chastity, or William James’ representation of the self
the general adherence to teachings of different faith & religious The dimensions of the empirical self include the material self
groups pertaining to sexuality, more & more teenagers engage in (comprised of one’s body & it’s extensions such as clothing,
sexual activities that do not lie w/in the boundaries of church-defined immediate family, & home), the social self (or significant
acceptable sexual behaviors—those that should just be happening w/in interpersonal relations), & the spiritual self (one’s personality,
a marital relationship. character, & defining values).

 There seems to be a conflict in what the mouth professes and Possessions as Symbolic Expression of Identity (Symbolic
what the body does or what attitudes reveal and what actual Communicational Model)
behaviors show—when it comes to Filipino teenage sexuality,  An observation that possessions are considered a part of
or probably, that of the general population. oneself. They are symbols & extensions of the personal
& social aspect of one’s identity/ personhood.
• Examples include “premarital sex (PMS), multiple sex, casual
sex, pornography, cohabitation” (De Jose, 2013). Examples include:
• Studies shows that the number of Filipino teens engaging in “That outfit is so you!”
sexual acts prior to marriage shows an alarming & increasing “This is the perfect gift for you!”
trend (De Jose, 2013, YAFS,2013). “My ancestral land is all I am.”
• An overwhelming majority of teenagers who engage in PMS “This is all I have & you are taking them away?”
& other sexual acts seem oblivious to the risks of sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV or unplanned pregnancy, From early years to old age, our possessions are symbols of
thus, the lack of concern as well about unprotected sex. ourselves and our identity.
• Latest data reveal that at greater risks are males having sex w/
males who remain indifferent to the idea of protection during
sexual encounters. Role of Possessions
Possessions may deliver/exhibit the following:
Teenage pregnancy remains as a pressing public health issue in South ◦ Control & expertise (actual or impression)
Asia, more particularly in the Philippines. ◦ Comfort & emotional stability
◦ A concrete record of achievements
Based on a 2012 data, pregnancy cases among 10-19 years ballooned ◦ Past and future goals
by 70% in the last ten years compromising the country’s development ◦ A souvenir/mementos of relationships
 Positive relationship between self-esteem & owning pets
– We are able to make ourselves known through our (Covert et al, 1985)
possessions. The dog as “co-therapist” (Levinson, 1962)
– Other people are able to know us through our
possessions.  Possessions in Old Age
As a person grows older…
• Social Status An aging person would wish that whatever defines who she is
How does one’s house look like? (home as identity shell) would stay w/ her—photos, jewelries, appliances, etc.
What are the things that can be found in one’s living
room? Sentimentality, memories of friends & experiences (ex. photo
What is upper class? middle class? lower class? albums) give a sense of continuity.
The value & significance of one’s status symbol are altered through
time. Spiritual Self
 Religion-an organized system of ideas about
Status symbol spiritual or supernatural that is accompanied by
- a person's standing or importance in relation to other people rituals. Through rituals, people attempt to
within a society. influence things that they think are beyond their
control.
• Symbolic Self-Completion (Wickland & Gollwitzer,  is a path, a way/tool to express spirituality
1982,1985) through rituals.
- Goods & possessions are used to fill in/to compensate  Religion requires membership into it.
for what the person lacks (e.g., even though you are not  Spirituality – concerns an aspect of the divine
too smart/ not too qualified, so long as you wear an and supernatural but is often times limited to the
expensive watch, high-class pair of shoes & you have individual, with no need for any formal
the latest model of cell phone. organization.
 Spirituality is the search for meaning and
When is enough enough for a materialistic person? direction in life and the ways by which one may
Three Dimensions or Orienting Values (Richins, 1991) preserve.
1. Acquisition centrality: materialists tend to place possessions & - The two are related – Although not separate
the process of acquiring possessions at the center of their lives. from one another, spirituality is much more
2. 2. Acquisition as the pursuit of happiness: materialists tend to profound than religion.
view their possessions & their acquisition as a means of
 One is on the relationship of spirituality with
providing themselves w/ some level of personal
religion.
well-being/satisfaction w/ their lives.
 Spirituality is very important in the process of
3. Possession-defined success: materialists tend to base their
our becoming human because our relationship
own & others’ success on the number & quality of possessions.
with God is mirrored by our attempt to achieve
4. Pets as Extensions/Symbols of the Self
humanity.
Pets have become parts of the extended self. Pets belong to the
top 5 possessions.
Religion – Its Role in Society • Attending mass (Pagmimisa)
• Praying a novena (Pagnonobena)
 To explain things • Praying the rosary (Pagrorosaryo)
 To justify things • Carrying the Cross (Pagpasan ng krus)
 To provide support • Crucifixion (Pagpapako sa krus)
 Socializes people

Spirituality and Religion

 Rituals in Early Filipino Societies

- Enriquez (1994), Covar (1998), Salazar (1985), Obusan
(1998) emphasized that even before the arrival of
different religions in the country, Filipino ancestors
already had ways of communing with the “unseen,”
through superstition (“pamahiin”), paganism (“pagano”),
brujerias (“pangungulam”) etc…

Spirituality of the Adolescents/Young Adults (aged 18-25)

Spirituality and Questions about One’s PURPOSE IN LIFE

Religion and Ritual & IDENTITY
Religions have rituals. - In this age, it is already possible to think over issues of
 Ritual is whatever is done repeatedly. spirituality due to the development of the capacity for
 2 types of ritual abstract thinking. One may already ask:
- According to the Calendar (Calendric)  Who am I?
- Based on crisis  Why am I in this world?
 Where am I going?
Religion and Spirituality  What is happening in politics, ethics, that I should be
engaged in?
 Religion – collective
 Spirituality – may be alone or by oneself  The beginnings of questioning/challenging previously
Types of Prayer ( Dasal o Panalangin) held beliefs. (For example, “If God is kind, why is there
suffering in the world?”)
 Developed regard for God as friend and ally.
• Fasting (Pag-aayuno)  Desire God that values him/her, accepts him/her as
• Healing (Panggagamot) himself/herself and keep the faith that God brings light
• Offering (Pag-aalay) to one’s sense of purpose in life.
• “Panalanging walang patid” Meditation
The Importance of Transition Stage feelings of others on the principle of “give and take.”
- a folk concept of good public relations and avoidance of
(Bridges,1980 & Phelps,2004) conflict w/the leader or majority of the groups
3 STAGES OF TRANSITION & TRANSFORMATION
 Hiya
1.) ENDING – Saying goodbye to beliefs held from childhood. - controls a large extent of the Filipino behavior
- dependent on others will think, say & do
2.) NEUTRAL ZONE – conflicted internally from the - because of hiya, a Filipino cannot say “NO” even it is
abandonment of one’s self to embracing a new one. From the against his will to do what is being requested
old me to the new me. One reason a teenager undergoes crisis
is that he/she may not aware that he/she is undergoing a kind
of spiritual awakening. There is sometimes full of hate,  Helpful
boredom, rebellion & sadness. - It is expected that we help out in the house & offer help
to siblings, friends & relatives when we can.
3.) NEW BEGINNING. Through trustworthy friends, an - We have the “bayanihan” spirit in us & it is why in
individual discovers not only himself/herself but also God who times of calamities or disaster, Filipinos are mostly
may be trusted & may serve as companion throughout life. helpful to one another.

 Hospitality
Political Self - Filipinos welcome their guests as if they are their own
brothers and sisters.
Who is a Filipino? o In what other ways do we show our hospitality to
◦ Filipinos are often associated to globally renowned our visitors that make us simply Filipinos?
personalities like Manny Pacquiao, Lea Salonga and
Michael Cinco who have made the Filipinos become  Respect for Elders
recognized around the world through their talents. - Filipinos greet their elders by kissing their hand while
◦ However, being a Filipino is far more than just being saying “Mano po” and constantly saying “po’ and
related to these notable figures. “opo” in conversations.
- How else do we show respect for our elders as
THE FILIPINO VALUES AND TRAITS Filipinos?
 Utang na loob
- a practice of reciprocity of debt of gratitude to others w/in the  Close Family Ties
family circle or primary group, sometimes unlimited in nature, - Filipinos keep a tight relationship with their families.
emotional rather than financial or rational - Is this always a positive thing?
- Family reunions, opting to live together in one house,
 Pakikisama compound, nursing homes is not an option to most of us
- It is the value of belongingness & loyalty w/sensitivity to the - We take care of one another
 Filipinos. Lack of discipline lead them to become stubborn as
this they don’t want to be told what to do anymore; the result of
 Cheerful Personality being dominated, controlled & ruled by the A S J . Sad to say
- Filipinos have a habit of smiling and laughing a lot. They smile maybe?
even when they are sad or angry. They maintain a positive
outlook in life which makes them resilient.
 Bahala Na
 Common expression among Filipinos and this
NEGATIVE VALUES rest on the fatalistic outlook & strong
dependence on the “spirits” who will take care
 Mañana  Habit of everything if they are really meant for a
- This is a Filipino term for procrastination. It is our “mamaya person.
na” attitude meaning to do things later.

 Ningas cogon  FILIPINOS LOVE TO CONNECT,

- An attitude of eagerly starting things but quickly losing ESPECIALLY TO PEOPLE
eagerness after experiencing difficulty.
- Among the most highly relational in the world, Filipinos
 Crab mentality are hardly alone. They are happy being together - when
- A toxic trait among Filipinos when one resents the achievement they eat, sleep, work, travel, pray, create or celebrate.
of another instead of feeling happy for that person. They feel connected to the world, God & nature, but
most of all to people. Texting capital of the world.
 Colonial mentality
- If something is made in America or of a foreign brand, we think Hallmarks of our being Filipinos
it is of greater quality. 1.Proverbs or salawikain
- we buy foreign products more than we would buy our own ◦ These are sayings that convey lessons and
locally made products reflections of Filipino practices, beliefs and
traditions.
- Rooted in the J A S occupation, as early as 1521 we Fils r able ◦ e.g. Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga.
to buy or enjoy the foreign products brought in our country by
the J A S 2. Superstitions
Filipinos also subscribe to their own set of superstitious
 Lack discipline beliefs passed down from generation to generation.
- Pollution, traffic rules & following the law are things Filipinos
tend to ignore. 3. Heroes and Icons
- We like to sell our wares on the streets, beat the red light & Heroes serve as a reminder of true patriotism and
throw our garbage in the wrong places. nationalism as they have sacrificed their lives for the
sake of their countries freedom and progress.
 Icons have made the Filipinos name more renowned worldwide
through their talents.

4. Belief System
– Filipinos are believers of religion.
– We may have different religions in different sectors of our
country, but we all have one strong form of faith.
– They believe so much on supernatural powers & viewed
themselves as only a speck in this wide universe.
– Success is considered a blessing from above, a result of good
luck & faith.
– Speck-point, a fragment .and since we are just a fragment we
believed that someone is in controlled and that is God.
“SOMEONE IS CONTROLLING US” we developed that
attitude of passivity, submissiveness, come what may.

Cultural Identity
- The world view & values, beliefs systems, knowledge, skills &
practices, core principles & ideas shared by a society-the
unique totality w/c constitutes, cultural identity.
- And How, we filipinos established our identity? It was difficult
after that centuries of being held by the 3 greedy countries.