Week 5: Development of self in society
Key words
Self- awareness- the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or
emotions do or don't align with your internal standards.
Critical-thinking- the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully
conceptualizing, applying, analysing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered
from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as
a guide to belief and action.
Decision making- the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering
information, and assessing alternative resolutions.
Problem making- the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem;
identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; and implementing a
solution.
Assertiveness- being able to stand up for your own or other people's rights in a calm and
positive way, without being either aggressive, or passively accepting 'wrong'.
Communication- the act of transferring information from one place, person or group to
another
Negotiation- a strategic discussion intended to resolve an issue in a way that both parties
find acceptable.
Refusal skill- the skills that a person needs to develop to resist peer pressure and avoid
risky situations.
• Demonstrating skills such as self-awareness, critical thinking, decision-
making, problem solving, assertiveness, Communication, negotiation and
refusal skill to sexuality and lifestyle
There are numbers of skills That you need to develop which will help you to make
informed, Responsible decision about Sexuality and lifestyle choices.
❖ Self-awareness- You know yourself the ability to focus on yourself and how your
actions, thought emotions do or don't align with your internal standards.
Question Do you know yourself? If so, explain what your strength are, weaknesses. What
inspires you? Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of your thoughts and emotions.
For example, knowing your emotions. Another example. If you know yourself. You keep a
general way. You update your goals, wishes, dreams, interest, needs, likes and dislikes, as
well as your strength and weaknesses.
Emotional intelligence goes along with self-awareness.
Be emotionally stuff away you understand your own thoughts and how it impacts on your
embrace.
You know what you are feeling and why. You are aware of others how they see you. You
sense your strength and limitation which lead to self-confidence. Meaning you won't be
affected by risky behaviour.
How into How to embrace yourself awareness.
1. look at yourself objectively – try to Look at yourself objectively in a way that
is not influenced by personal feelings, so that you can learn how to accept yourself
and find a way to improve some of your qualities in your future.
2. Keep a journal- Take time to write about your thoughts, success and failure
Off the day. This self-reflection will help you grow and move forward to reach your
goal. While reflecting also try to think about the possible impact on your emotions
and action on other people.
3. Write down your own goal and priorities: - what are your goals?
- What should you prioritize to reach these goals
- What are you doing that is not working and preventing success.
- What needs to change in order to improve the rate of success in achieving
these goals.
❖ Critical thinking
- Skills of analysing, evaluating information. The ability to think through situation
carefully. To think daily, logically and sensibly. To think in a reasonable way and
to ask questions to get more information.
When you think critically you
1. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of various solutions So a
problem to make informed decisions.
2. Don’t allow your emotions to rule your actions and decision making e.g., don’t
act in a hasty/ emotional way.
3. Analyse and think about problems before you react.
4. Think about the effects of your actions for now and later and for yourself and
others.
❖ Decision making
- When making an informed, responsible decision you use this decision-making
method/ skill.
- You get as much information as you can.
- Youn analyse, think and compare the effects of different choices you are have/
using your critical thinking.
- Choose the best option.
Due to poor decision making, teenagers may indulge in sexual activities
even they don’t want for reasons as:
- Exposure to TV
- To please their partner/ proving their love
- Make them feel less lonely/ wanted.
- Prove they are man/ woman.
- Prove to their parents/ caregiver that they are sexually active.
❖ Problem solving
- Making use of your problem-solving skills regular keeps your brain in good
shape.
Methods to follow/ apply:
- Describe the problem.
- Suggest possible solutions.
- Think about the effects of each solution.
- Choose the best solution.
- Act on the solution
❖ Communication
- To share/ exchange information
- Say how you feel, what you want, what you know you share information.
How to communicate is to:
- Talk to your partner about what you want.
- Ask your partner what they want.
- Talk about what is write for both parties.
- Explain that sex is not foundation of a loving relationship.
- Talk about and both understand why you choose not to indulge in sexual
activities.
How to communicate well:
- Avoid misunderstanding.
- Be clear about what you want to say.
- Be honest and express your feelings.
❖ Assertiveness
- Stand up for your rights and needs.
- Express yourself in an honest, open, respectful, polite and responsible
manner.
How to be assertive:
- State your position: being honest to others. Explain what you want to happen.
Say what you need to be done. Say what you must do and what they must do.
- Give reasons: give a reason for your feeling/ what you want to happen.
- Show your understanding- show the other reason that you understand their
situation even if you don’t agree.
Challenges:
- In some cultures, assertive behaviour is not allowed on women while men are
encouraged to be assertive. Meaning in some cultures men make decisions
and take leadership role even when it comes to sexual activities.
❖ Negotiation
- To discuss in order to reach an agreement.
- Negotiations happens during conflict situation for instance one person wants
sex while the other doesn’t.
- Negotiations is a conversation meant to resolve arguments.
- It is aimed at getting an agreement with which both parties are happy.
❖ Refusal skills
- disagreeing on something/ saying NO.
- When you say NO
- You voice must be firm not whisper/ giggle way.
- Say no without a smile on your face.
- Give clear message.
- Your body language must say no too.
- Stand tall and look straight at the person.
❖ Goal Setting:
- Stating what you want to achieve.
- Formulating what you see as a success and then formulating the steps to get
to that point.
- Setting a goal is like you know where you are going hence your goal must be
a SMART GOAL
CLASS ACTIVITY:
QUESTION 1
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
Quote 1
We must keep in mind that we have limited time, and it is not wise to waste your
time doing the wrong thing.”
― Abhishek Ratna, Small Wins, Big Success
Quote 2
“You can change the place you live, your clothes, your interests, your friends, your
religion and even your partner. However, if you forgot to change your mind,
attitude, beliefs about the world, how you treat people and how you plan to be.
different this time around, why did you even bother?”
― Shannon L. Alde
1.1 Define the term ‘Life Role” (1X2) (2)
1.2 Explain the responsibility of THREE levels of support in life roles as well as giving
examples of the type of support which is.
provided at each level. (3x2) (6)
1.3 Discuss TWO ways how self-awareness, critical thinking and decision making are vital
skills in making informed and responsible lifestyle choices. (2 x 2) (4)
1.4 Recommend THREE critical values or rights that can strengthen teenagers when find
themselves in situations which demands potentially challenging behavioural and sexuality
choices and state how they could overcome these types of challenges. (3 x 4)
Total: 24
• Critically discuss how to apply effective strategies to assist in making
responsible decisions in relation to sexuality and lifestyle choices
Making responsible decisions in relation to sexuality and lifestyle choices is crucial for
maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It requires careful consideration of
various factors, values, and potential consequences. Here are some effective strategies to
assist in making responsible decisions in this regard:
1. Education and Information: Gain a comprehensive understanding of sexual
health, relationships, and lifestyle choices. Access accurate and reliable
information from reputable sources, such as healthcare professionals,
educational institutions, and credible websites. Being well-informed helps
you make decisions based on knowledge rather than assumptions or
misinformation.
2. Self-Reflection:Take the time to reflect on your personal values, beliefs, and
goals. Consider how your decisions align with these aspects of yourself.
Understanding your own priorities will guide you towards choices that
resonate with your core principles.
3. Setting Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for yourself in terms of
sexual activity and lifestyle choices. Recognize what you're comfortable with
and what you're not. Communicate these boundaries openly and honestly
with your partners or friends to ensure mutual understanding and respect.
4. Consent and Communication: Prioritize open and honest communication in
intimate relationships. Obtain and give clear consent before engaging in any
sexual activity. Effective communication helps ensure that all parties are on
the same page and comfortable with the decisions being made.
5. Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks associated with different lifestyle
choices, such as substance use, unprotected sex, or engaging in risky
behaviors. Consider the short-term and long-term consequences on your
physical health, mental well-being, and relationships.
6. Seeking Professional Guidance: When faced with complex decisions, don't
hesitate to seek advice from healthcare professionals, therapists, or
counselors who specialize in sexual health and relationships. Their expertise
can provide valuable insights and perspectives that help you make informed
choices.
7. Peer and Social Influences: Be mindful of how peer pressure and societal
norms can influence your decisions. Avoid making choices solely to fit in or
please others. Instead, prioritize decisions that align with your values and
well-being.
8. Long-Term Perspective: Consider the potential long-term implications of
your decisions. Will the choices you make today impact your future health,
relationships, or overall quality of life? Weighing short-term pleasures against
long-term well-being can guide you towards more responsible decisions.
9. Emotional Well-Being: Reflect on how your decisions might impact your
emotional state. Engage in activities that promote self-care, self-esteem, and
a positive self-image. Responsible decisions should contribute to your
emotional well-being rather than causing distress or regret.
10. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Recognize that making responsible
decisions is an ongoing process. Be open to learning from experiences, both
positive and negative. Adapt your strategies as you grow and develop a
better understanding of yourself and your needs.
11. Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family
members, or communities that respect and encourage responsible decision-
making. Having a strong support system can provide guidance, validation,
and a safe space to discuss your choices.
Class- Activity
1. Define each of the following:
1.1 Respect (2)
1.2 Sexuality (2)
1.3 Decision making (2)
1.4 Abstinence (2)
1.5 Self – Awareness (2)
1.6 Critical Thinking (2)
2. How many steps does problem solving skills have and name the steps. (1x5= 5)
3. Give 4 reasons why teenagers make poor decisions. (2 x4 = 8)
Total= 25
