Physical features are the crucial aspect of the self.

People are often

recognized by their physical features. The physical self is shaped
by BIOLOGICAL and ENVIRONMENTAL factors. It is surrounded by issues
associated with health, hygiene, nutrition, and standards of beauty.

THE SELF AS A PHYSICAL BODY

The Physical Self refers to the body. It is tangible aspect of the
person that can be directly observed and examined (Singh,2017). Thus,
in defining or understanding self through our physical self, it can be
said that a person or our SELF has physical features that includes two
arms, two legs, pair of eyes, ears, a nose, mouth with teeth and a
body composed of bones muscles, tissues and among others.
The physical self is defined by the characteristics that are
visible. These characteristics are the defining features of our body.
When we are asked by someone to describe the person, we tend to
describe that person with their height, weight, complexion, hair,
their facial features and biological sex. There could be a lot of
description that we could tell about somebody. One can have flat nose
or pointed nose; one can have dark or light or fair complexion; one
can also have short hair or long hair or maybe can also be describe as
fat or thin or short or tall; or any other description that we can
give with their physical features.
The physical aspect of the self does not include features or
characteristics that are not visible to our eyes or internal to our
self like description of values or personality such as being kind or
loyal, generous or talkative and other kinds of qualities similar to
this.
BIOLOGICAL FACTORS as influence to the Physical Self

Underneath the skin is a dynamic system of biological and

chemical processes that contribute to one’s physical features.
Body structure, height, weight, skin color, hair color, and other
physical characteristics do not just develop at random; these are
triggered by genetic transformations and biological development
through HEREDITY.
HEREDITY is the transmission of traits from parents to
offspring. The traits are made up of specific information embedded
within one’s GENE, the basic unit of heredity. The manifestation
of particular traits can be attributed to the concepts of genotype
and phenotype.
GENOTYPE refers to the specific information embedded within
one’s genes.
 PHENOTYPE is the physical expression of a particular trait.
Each individual carries 23 pairs of chromosomes (threadlike
bodies in the nucleus of the cell and the storage unit of genes).
The 23RD PAIR shall determine the sex of the individual. Within each
chromosome is the deoxyrybonucleic acid (DNA). It is considered
as the blueprint of life. This explains why DNA sample is the most
crucial material in establishing paternity or maternity or
identifying the suspect in a crime. This cellular components also
trigger the physical growth and maturation of organisms, from birth
to adulthood.
MATURATION is known as the completion of growth of a genetic
character within an organism or the unfolding of the inherent
traits of a person.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS that influences our Physical Self

As you grow up, you are exposed to environmental influences that

shape your physical self, including those from your social networks,
societal expectations, and cultural practices.
Aside from factors of heredity, FAMILY being your first
social group, forms a crucial foundation of your development,
including that of your physical self. Your FAMILY is also
primarily responsible for how you take care of your body. Nutrition
and sustenance was initially established by what was cooked in the
home. Thus, your food intake and diet is often determined by the
meals you were served. Aside from food, practices on hygiene were
first transmitted by your parents.
As you grow older, you get exposed to a larger social group
with new practices and standards. As a result, you may begin
engaging in acts that would make you attractive and acceptable to
others.
For some girls, these include choosing the right outfit,
wearing the right make up, and acting more feminine. Boys may begin
to have facial hair, learn how to shave, go to the gym, and do
other similar activities.
One aspect of physical beauty is a person’s BODY TYPE.
Contemporary media has portrayed slim bodies as 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. For some, these activities involve in healthy life style,
eating the right food, and engaging in sports.
 However, some adolescents may resort to unhealthy habits just
to achieve the ideal body type. There has been a steady rise of
teenagers who have eating disorders, including BULIMIA (binge-
eating) and ANOREXIA NERVOSA (not eating). A substantial number
have been resorting to COSMETIC SURGERY to alter certain facial
or body features, even among adolescents.

How to take good care of our Physical Self

 HEALTHY EATING - You need to eat the right amount and

combination of food to ensure your health and
sustenance. Following a healthy diet results in healthy
skin, ideal weight and better stamina.
 HEALTHY LIFESTYLE - Avoid drinking, smoking and doing unhealthy
habits to reduce the risk of illness and diseases and to make
your immune system stronger. Physical Activities such as
walking, running, going to the gym and engaging in sports also
contribute to a healthier body. Maintaining the right amount of
sleep for at least 8 hours a night.
 PROPER HYGIENE - Taking care of your body by consistently
following a hygiene regimen can also help you feel good about
yourself. It can also prevent diseases caused by bacteria, germs
and viruses.
 AVOID STRESS-Learn ways of coping or preventing stress. Stress
might ignite many health problems which is important to avoid the
things that cause you stress.
 SPEND LESS TIME IN FRONT OF COMPUTERS AND GADGETS- Try to have a
schedule and limit your hours spent on your gadgets. Prolonged
time spent with this can lead to eye problems, obesity and other
health problems.
 BEING CONFIDENT - Self-confidence is your best make up and results
in an optimal physical well-being. Be secure in yourself, embrace
positive outlook toward various situations and problems, and love
and accept who you are.
Sexual Self
This section tackles one of the most crucial aspects of human
development, the sexual self. It highlights biological and
environmental factors that shape sexual development. Tips on
regulating sexual behavior are also provided.

A vital aspect of one’s identity is the sexual self,

encompassing the biological, physical, emotional, and social
domains.
While it is initially rooted in the distinguishing physical
attributes found in men (penis) and women (vagina).
During this stage, sexual curiosity is often at its peak, with
adolescents engaging in sexual activity as influenced by
biological
and socio-cultural factors.

SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS

At birth, the sexual genitals (penis for males and vagina for
females) is a biological feature that distinguishes males from
females. Moreover, during puberty, observable changes in the human
body also known as secondary sexual characteristics begin.

In the Philippines, the practice of circumcision is considered

a rite of passage to adulthood among young men. For females, the
onset of menstruation, and noticeable changes in hips, breast and
skin underlie the sexual changes during this developmental stage.

Aside from these observable developments in males and females,

the release of hormones (testosterone for males and estrogen for
females) triggers physiological changes in the reproductive
system. Thus, at this stage, males and females start to become
capable of procreation: males start producing sperm while females
begin producing eggs.

Adolescents and Sexual Responsibility

A person should be aware of his or her sexuality and sexual
attributes in order to make responsible decisions.
Adolescents need to realize the importance of having informed
choices. Engaging in sexual activities may result in consequences
that adolescents may not be ready for: pregnancy and sexually
transmitted diseases.

Aside from pregnancy, another consequence of impulsive and

careless sexual intercourse is the risk of acquiring sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs). While most of them can be treated and
cured, STDs may have long-term consequences to one’s health. These
diseases are passed through the exchange of body fluids or genital
contact. Among the common STDs are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia
and genital warts. Symptoms include burning sensation during
urination, warts and sores in the genital and mouth areas, pus,
abnormal and smelly discharge, genital irritation and painful
bowel movements.
Treatment may entail medication and in some cases, surgery.
However, there are cases when these diseases may affect one’s
reproductive functions and worse may lead to death.

In addition, most teenagers who have sex with their partners often
rationalize the act by claiming that they “love each other” and
are “ready to be committed to each other” . 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
the 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 an adolescent’s development,
including miscarriage, emotional stress, and health risks to both
mother and infant. Further, early pregnancy may result in the
mother dropping out of school, alienation and other similar
disruptions. Pregnancy does not only affect females; males are
also burdened by the responsibility of caring for a new child and
his partner, and may also face the same problems as the female.

The most alarming sexually transmitted disease is the acquired

immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS which compromises the immune
system and puts the person at risk of illness and death. In

its early stages HIV has no symptoms. Once the illness has
progressed, the infected person may develop fever, rashes, and
sores. In its final stage, a person with AIDS may suffer from a
variety of illnesses, including pneumonia and cancer. At the
moment, there remains no cure for HIV and AIDS.
Responsible Sexual Behavior
Thus, it is important that everyone makes responsible decisions
with regard to sexuality and sexual behavior. Responsible sexual
behavior entails the following:

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 AND CORE VALUES

Everyone, especially an adolescent, should always be grounded by
his or her personal principles and self-worth.

MATURITY IN THOUGHTS AND DEEDS

It refers to being objective, rational and calm instead of being
swept by one’s emotions.
BEING FUTURE-ORIENTED
Instead of focusing on the present, a person should always weigh
his or her present actions with possible consequences in the
future. Sexual pleasure might be overwhelming at the moment but
always focus on what it will entail in the future.

Sexual identity and gender orientation underlie one’s concept of self

A person expresses his or her sexuality through individuality;
one’s belief and behavioral lifestyle are based on his or her
own sexual identity are deemed to be social constructs, it is
important to highlight one’s self-expression and moreover,
become responsible in doing so. This responsibility also applies
to expressing one’s beliefs about sex, gender, and behavior. It
should be noted that one’s behavior in various situations
entails consequences. An individual needs to realize the effects
of such actions and how one can regulate his or her own
behavior, including his or her sexual behavior.

Sexual Identity and Gender Orientation

At birth, one’s sexuality depends on his or her physical features and genitals. Most of the time,
one’s sexuality and gender orientation correspond with each other. However, biological sex and
gender orientation are two different things. Biological sex is one’s assignment upon birth and is
dependent on physical features. On the other hand, Gender is an identity that is learned and embraced
by the individual.
 GENDER AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT
It goes beyond biological domains and is both a personal and social contract. As a social
construct, gender comprises the socially created roles, personality traits, attitudes, behaviors
and values attributed to men and women. It also includes the relative power and influence of
each, indicating that gender is relational and refers not simply to men or women but to the
relationship between them. Thus, gender is anchored on societal beliefs and norms.

GENDER ROLES refer to societal expectations of how men

and women should act.
Everyone has a basic idea of gender roles: men are assumed to be strong and dominant, while
women are perceived to be submissive and demure. Aside from the problems with these
assumptions, gender and biological sex are not always the same. A person may have been born
a man but assumes womanly traits while woman may behave like a man.
Sexual Orientation Some people are attracted to people of a particular gender;
others are attracted to people of more than one gender. Some are not attracted to anyone.
Gender Identity and Expression The ways in which a person identifies
and/or expresses their gender, including self-image, appearance, and embodiment of gender
roles. One’s sex (e.g. male, female, intersex, etc.) is usually assigned at birth based on one’s
physical biology. One’s gender (e.g. male, female, genderqueer, etc.) is one’s internal sense of
self and identity. One’s gender expression (e.g. masculine, feminine, androgynous, etc.) is how
one embodies gender attributes, presentations, roles, and more.