UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE

UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

TOPIC 4: PHYSCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE IDEAL SELF: ambitions in life and is dynamic, the
idealized image we have developed over time
DISCUSSION NOTES
Four Goals of Psychology: CONGRUENCE: the alignment of the real self and
1. Describe – what the person is doing ideal self
2. Explain – why is s/he doing that INCONGRUENCE: happens when there is
3. Predict – what is s/he going to do inconsistency between the real self and ideal self
4. Modify – how can we change the behavior
ALBERT BANDURA’S PROACTIVE AND
Psychology is concerned with: AGENTIC SELF
- How individuals develop and mature at - humans through their agency are perceived
different life stages as proactive agents of experience
o Consciousness - we don’t just merely observe, we have
o Memory cognitive faculties that enable us to discern
o Reasoning whether such behavior is worth emulating
- How the individual and his environment
MAIN FEATURES OF HUMAN AGENCY
shape reality
1. INTENTIONALITY: you know the possiblle
- How we think, behave and feel
outcome
- Mental health and mental illnesses
2. FORETHOUGHTS: anticipate future
- Character strengths, coping, happiness and
outcomes
well-being
3. SELF-REACTIVENESS: making choices and
choosing the appropriate action, as well as
WILLIAM JAMES’ ME-SELF AND I-SELF
motivating and reglating
I-SELF: subjective self that is aware of its actions
4. SELF-REFLECTIVENESS: ability to reflect
o A sense of being the agent or initiator of
on our lact of thoughts ad actions, we ate
behaviour also self-examiners, we can give time for
o A sense of being unique ourselves to think
o A sense of continuity
o A sense of awareness SIGMUND FREUD’S ELEMENTS OF
PERSONALITY
ME-SELF: object or the self that you can describe - human personality is complex and has more
- Material Self: things that belong to us or we than a single component.
belong to (family, clothes, body, money) - his famous psychoanalytic theory, he stated
- Social Self: who we are in a given social that personality is composed of Id, Ego, and
situation Superego
- Spiritual Self: who we are at the code, more
concrete and permanent ID: source of all psychic energy, primary component
o Subjective and most intimate self of personality
o i.e personality, core values and - Only component that is present from birth
conscience - Entirely unconscious and includes
instinctives and primitives behaviors
CARL ROGER’S PERSON CENTERED THEORY
- humans have one basic motive – tendency to EGO: Develops from the id and ensures that the
self actualize impulses of the id can be expressed in a manner
- i.e to fulfil one’s potential and achieve the acceptable in the real world
highest level of “human beingness we can” - Functions conscious, preconscious, and
- like a flower that will grow to its full potential if Unconscious mind
the conditions are right but is constrained by - Component of personality that is responsible
the environment for dealing with reality
REAL SELF: all aspects of one’s being and one’s
experiences that are perceived in awareness by the SUPEREGO: Begins to emerge at age 5
individual - Holds the internalized moral standards and
- where we feel, think and act involving our ideals that we acquire from our
self-image parents/society (sense of right/wrong)
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 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

- Provides guidelines for making judgements entire personalities of people who have them
- Parts of superego:  Example: Mother Teresa is strongly
1. Conscience – information about associated with goodness and kindness and
things that are viewed as bad by Hitler can be associated with ruthlessness.
parents and society. Often forbidden
and lead to bad consequences,
punishments or feelings of guilt and
remorse. Central traits
2. Ego Ideal – rules and standards for  The general characteristics that form the
behaviors that the ego aspires to. basic foundations of personality
 Aren’t as dominant as cardinal; important but
not dominant
What happens if there is an imbalance?  Each person has between 5 to 10 central
- If the ego is able to adequately moderate traits
between the demands of reality, the id, and  Present to varying degrees in each person
the superego, a healthy and well-adjusted  Includes common traits such as intelligence
personality emerges. and honesty.
- Freud believed that an imbalance between
these elements would lead to a maladaptive Secondary traits
personality  Dispositions that are significantly less
generalized and relevant
Dominant ID  They’re only seen in certain situations or
- The individual might act impulsively under specific circumstances
- Seeking immediate gratification of desires  Example: Getting anxious when speaking in
without considering consequences public, being impatient while waiting in a line,
- This could lead to potentially reckless or and highly assertive people displaying
antisocial actions submissive personalities when vulnerable

Dominant Ego Donald Woods Winnicott’s True and False Self

- Lead to excessive rationalization - He believed that the self is a very important
- Suppression of emotions part of mental and emotional well-being.
- Difficulty in expressing desires - People were born without a clearly developed
self and had to search for an authentic sense
Dominant Superego of self as they grew.
- The individual might exhibit perfectionistic - For him, the sense of feeling real, feeling in
and judgemental tendencies touch with others and with one’s own body
- High levels of guilt and self-criticism and its processes was essential for living.
- A strong adherence to moral standards
TRUE SELF
Gordon Allport’s Functional Autonomy and - Based on our authentic experiences as a
Personality Traits person
- Functional Autonomy – human motives are - Being alive, doing the things you want to do,
functionally independent from the original and just being yourself
motive responsible for the behavior - Begins to develop in infancy, in the
- Traits/Disposition – basic units on which our relationship between the baby and its primary
personalities are structure. It is a stable caregiver
characteristic that causes individuals to
consistently behave in certain ways. FALSE SELF
- Fake self or superficial self
Three levels of Traits: - Defense against the vulnerabilities or
imperfections of our real self
Cardinal traits - We try to cover up these flaws and act “as if”
 So dominant they could be used to define a we do not have them
person - Start to surface as early as infancy, when
 One or two of these can be used to define we are put under the control of our parents
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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

or early caregivers - I-SELF: self in action or as subject; it is

- that aspect of the self that does the acting,
thinking, and feeling.
TOPIC 4: PHYSCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE o The knower or perceiver
- ME-SELF: refers to the self as an object; it
“Everything that irritates us about others can lead is that facet of the self which is the known
us to an understanding of ourselves” – Carl Jung or the perceived. Empirical Self, the me is
one’s accumulated understanding of one’s
- The ontology of the self has been one of self.
the most immensely researched foci of o Material Self: encompasses all of
psychology.
our important possessions as well as
- Established as a scientific discipline in
the people we treasure
1879
o Social Self: how we think we are
- Postmodern psychologists also
viewed and regarded by others and
expounded on the multiplicity of the self by
also our instinctive desire to be
exploring its subserves.
recognized
o Spiritual Self: our subjective
PSYCHOLOGY: As a science, it is concerned
dispositions like our self-appraised
with how the self evolves as it interacts with
abilities, beliefs, attitudes, emotions,
various forces.
- It acknowledges the self being stable and
I-Self Me-self
enduring through time but is also
self in action or self as an object
susceptible to change subject
acting, thinking, empirical self
WILLIAM JAME’S ME-SELF AND I-SELF feeling
self as the knower or facet of the self the is
“Whenever two people meet, there are really six perceiver known or the
people present. There is each man as he sees perceived
himself, each man as the other person sees him,
and each man as he really is.” - William James
CARL ROGER’S REAL SELF AND IDEAL SELF
- The Father of American Psychology
- Most prolific psychologists and “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself
philosophers of the 20th century just as I am, then I can change.” -Carl Rogers
- American philosopher and psychologist,
William James (1842-1910), extensively - One of the pillars of humanistic theory –
explained the self and its aspects on his talked about SELF CONCEPT
1890 publication The Principles of - Self-concept simply speaks of how we
Psychology. think and view of ourselves.
- “Sum total of all that he can call his, not o It includes the entire schema and the
only his body and his psychic powers, but knowledge that we have or that we
his clothes and his house, his wife and are aware of about ourselves.
children, his ancestors and friends, his - As we come to interact with others, we
reputation and works, his lands and may come across feedbacks or may be
horses, and yacht and bank-account.” subjected to experiences which will
- The self is comprise of everything the challenge our self concept.
person has. - REAL SELF: speaks of how we genuinely
appraise ourselves. It is the self that feels
most true to what and who we really are. It
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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

may not be perfect but it is the part of us through whatever adversities it may
that feel most real. encounter.
- IDEAL SELF: denotes one’s view of self o having the capacity to recognize and
as one wishes to be. It contains attributes, take advantage of opportunities that
usually positive, that people aspire to may be beneficial to our selves and
possess. to better our lives in general.
- Rogers suggests that a discrepancy - An AGENTIC SELF is one who takes
between our ideal and real selves charge of his choices and actions; it is
redounds to non-equilibrium, indicating self-reflective and self-regulating.
an unhealthy personality. - We are agents of change; we can be
actively involved in shaping our own lives
Real Self Ideal Self because we are equipped with the
how we genuinely one’s view of self as cognitive faculty and capacity to do so.
appraise ourselves one wishes to be - An agentic and proactive self believes that
most true to what contains positive no matter how big the problem may seem
and who we really attributes that people to be, he or she can overcome it.
are aspire to possess
not perfect but it is Proactive Self Agentic Self
the part of us that constructive; optimistic takes charge of his
feel most real that it can get through choices and action
whatever adversities it
ALBERT BANDURA’S PROACTIVE AND may encounter
AGENTIC SELF capacity to recognize and self-reflective and self-
“Self-belief does not necessarily ensure success, take advantage of regulating
but self-disbelief assuredly spawns failure.” - opportunities that may be
Albert Bandura beneficial to our selves
and to better our lives in
- renowned psychologist who advocated the general.
social cognitive theory of learning
o human behavior results from MURRAY BOWE’S DIFFERENTIATED SELF
vicarious learning, through the “We all have an infant inside of us, but the infant
experiences of other people. doesn’t have to run the show.” -Murray Bowen
- people as agents or originators of
experience - one of the forerunners of family therapy
- We don’t just merely observe and imitate and notable for having developed a family
behavior; we have cognitive faculties systems theory
that enable us to discern unto whether or - the degree to which one is able to
not such behavior is worth emulating or if balance:
such can help us become better o (a) emotional and intellectual
individuals. functioning, and
- SELF-EFFICACY: one’s conviction or o (b) intimacy and autonomy in
belief that he or she can take on a certain relationship (Skowron & Friedlander,
task successful 1998)
o emerged the concept of the self as - differentiation involves the ability to make
proactive and agentic clear boundaries between our thoughts
- The SELF AS PROACTIVE is and feelings, and to choose which of the
constructive; it is optimistic that it can get two will guide our behavior

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

- Highly differentiated individuals are able to o As a result, we try to cover up these

balance autonomy and intimacy in their flaws and act “as if” we do not have
relationship. them.
o Since they can set clear boundaries - The false self may start to surface as
between their thoughts and feelings, early as infancy, when we are put under
they can shift of being emotional to the control of our parents or early
being rational caregivers
- Poorly differentiated individuals, on the - At times, we may have to put our true
other hand, may engage in fusion in their selves aside, just to abide by the demands
relationships. of other people. We do this to maintain
o they become much attached to the harmony in social relationship.
roles they play in a relationship, they
have few firmly held beliefs, they are True Self False Self
more likely to be compliant, and seek  based on our  fake self or
approval from others authentic superficial self
- Differentiation of self is the capacity to experiences as a  defense against
achieve a clear, coherent sense of self person. the vulnerabilities
along with emotional relationships with  being alive, doing or imperfections of
important others. the things you want our real self
- Differentiation is a salient trait foe to do, and just  we try to cover up
attaining mature development and being yourself these flaws and
psychological well-being (Skowron & act “as if” we do
Friedlander, 1998). not have them
 start to surface as
DONALD WOODS WINNICOTT’S TRUE AND early as infancy,
FALSE SELVES when we are put
“With games, and only with games, can the child under the control
or the adult create, and use their whole of our parents or
personalities, and the individual only discovers early caregivers
his personality when he becomes a creator.” -
Donald Woods Winnicott
- an English psychoanalyst
- According to him the true self is based on
our authentic experiences as a person
- Somehow similar to Roger’s concept of
the REAL SELF.
o The feeling of being alive, doing the
things you want to do, and just being
yourself comprise the true self.
- The FALSE SELF, which may also
referred to as a fake self or superficial self,
is our defense against the vulnerabilities
or imperfections
- Our true self may have its own share of
blemishes and weakness that sometimes
lowers our self-esteem

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 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

- Minimalist, only have things they truly

TOPIC 5: THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN need
THOUGHTS - Balance things the yin and yang
- Have a break
LECTURE NOTES FILIPnINO CONCEPT – hospitable,
SELF: rational being whose very existence is accommodating, kagandahang loob
defined by his being blended harmoniously with - Can become toxic especially with people
the other selves; all things and events who help with a purpose
- harmoney is the key
- must place duties over rights TOPIC 5: THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN
- individual goals are manifested and fine THOUGHTS
fulfillmengt is society’s shated goals “One ship sails east and another sails west with
the same self–wind that blow, it’s the set of the
HINDUISM – RIGHTEOUSNESS (i.e accountant sail and not the gale that determines the way we
ka should work according to you morals) go. As the winds of the sea are the ways of fate.
BHUDUISM – self is ever changing, hindi siya As we voyage along through life, it’s the act of the
fixed. soul that determines the goal and not the
- When u r busy but u can still welcome and calmness of the strife.”- Ella Wilcox
include activities like volunteering,
showing help INDIVIDUALISTIC VS. COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS
- Being mindful, try to live in the present - Exposed by Western and Easterd world
moment views
- If may possession na bigla nawala, - The individualistic perspective views
instead of dwelling on it, hahanapin mo the self as one that is independent from
what the world is telling u about losing that others; it is a separate, autonomous, and
person distinct entity.
o Accept the loss with grace o prize autonomy over collective
- Practicing self awareness and peace wisdom and effort where the
- Learn to take control and think before u individual is a regarded a self-made
react whose success and happiness do not
CONFUCIANISM – good life necessarily depend on others
- Faily education respect and social - Collectivistic thought, all things are seen
harmony as interdependent and inseparable parts
- Leadership by virtue and integrity, and parcels of the larger social world.
fairness, inspire people o One of the most distinguishing
hallmarks of the Eastern worldview is
TAOISM – to live in harmony with the TAO – the the awareness on unity and mutual
way interrelation of all things and events
- Promotes the national flow of the universe in life.
- WU WEI – effortless action - Collectivists recognize that their identity
o We le things flow naturally and self-esteem are wrapped up in their
- You go with the natural flow of the inverse group
- Pag nagchop ka ng garlic, tuloy tuloy ka
magchop ???
- Declutter the things like their houses, live
with what is only important or what they
truly need

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 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

EASTERN AND WESTERN THOUGHTS

WESTERN EASTERN
(Greek and Judeo Christian) (Classical Indian and Chinese Philosophies)
Individualism/Fragmentary/Dualistic: Collectivism/Wholistic:

A human being has an individualistic nature and is an A human being is an integral part of the universe and
independent part of the universe and the society. More the society. People are fundamentally connected. all
focused on the individual events and the role of the events in the universe are interconnected
person. Emphasis is on the “I”. (Systematic Approach). Emphasis is on the “WE”.
Outer-world dependent: Searching outside yourself – Inner-world dependent: Searching inside yourself –
through research and analysis through meditation and right living
Science/evidence-based culture: What can be Evidence is meaningless; truth is given and does not
proven/measured is deemed the truth have to be proven
Man is an element of the Divine Man is a part of the cosmic unity
Life is a service (to God, money, business, etc) Life is a journey towards eternal realities outside the
world
The journey of mankind is linear; everything has its The journey of mankind is cyclical: perception of
beginning and end. eternal recurrence (life after death, reincarnation)
Action is not necessarily a translation of the mind. The action is the extension of the mind.
The concept of “Me”: the true “me” is a part of the Divine Me- to be discovered by liberating from the false “me”
that need not become apparent: it is given, does not – attachment to the material things
have to be cognizable

being that has inalienable right to life and

SELF IN WESTERN PERSPECTIVE personal development.
- The Western worldview underscores the - For us to fully appreciate the self and
importance of the parts rather than the make an objective synthesis about it, we
whole. shall, in particular, take a brief look unto
- A fragmentary approach in understanding how it is explained based on the Eastern
phenomena as it does not subscribe to a theories
holistic view of reality. `
- Even the self is purported to be THE SELF AS EMBEDDED IN ORIENTAL
investigated and viewed as a highly THOUGHTS
compartmentalized entity. - The eastern thought values unity and
- maintains the individual as a separate, harmony and being part of the greater
self-contained individual, whose sense of whole, where everything is believed to be
self-worth is focused on internal attributes connected and the interdependent with
(ability, intelligence, personality, goals, others and nature
preferences, rights) - The self, through this holistic view, is
- The personal achievements of the self considered a relational being whose very
over the others for instance is highlighted, existence is defined by his being blended
thus Westerners tend to compare harmoniously with the other selves, all
themselves to the rest of the group in things and events.
order to be better. - In this web of interdependency, harmony
- Equality is accorded to every individual is the key. One’s conformity with shared
self who is regarded as an independent norms and values is very important.

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

- Consequently, the self must place duties - This false belief yields harmful thoughts of
over rights. selfish desire, “me-and-mine” mentality,
- Individual goals are manifested and find craving, attachment, ill-will, hatred,
fulfilment in society’s shared goals. conceit, pride, egoism, and any other
defilements and social problems.
- It is the source of all troubles in societies.
] - To eliminate ignorance and attain
enlightenment as the goal of the self, the
THE SELF AS IN HINDUISM self should:
- The self is Atman, and Atman is the 1. Know the four noble truths that
innermost essence of the self whose there is suffering in this world; the
destiny is to be Brahma in Nirvana. cause of suffering is craving for self-
- Attachment of the self to the material identity as if it is permanence; there is
world (maya/illusion) leads to suffering way out of this bondage of suffering.
(samsara). 2. The way to get out of suffering is by
- Reincarnation of the self is a form of practicing the eightfold path.
suffering because the self keeps coming
back to the material-world thinking that it is
its real destiny. Eightfold Path
- The self has to liberate itself from this 1. Right view
ignorance by cultivating an authentic 2. Right intention
knowledge (self-realization) that the self 3. Right speech
has is NOT MAYA but ATMAN. 4. Right action
- When the self has been thoroughly 5. Right livelihood
cleansed from its illusions, the self is filled 6. Right effort
with the sense of well-being, and at death, 7. Right concentration
its soul is liberated from endless rebirths 8. Right mindfulness
(reincarnation) and join the universal spirit
Brahma and becomes one with THE SELF IN CONFUCIANISM
Brahma. - The self is a moral and social being.
- Confucius was essentially concerned with
THE SELF AS IN BUDDHISM what made a good life.
- The doctrine of non-self or annata - Good life depends on order, and order
dictates that the self is subject to the law depends on good and just government.
of changes. - Virtue consists of correct behavior, such
- Everything, including the self, is always in as benevolence, righteousness, propriety,
constant change: born, grows, and dies wisdom, and loyalty.
- The self is composed of five aggregates: - These virtues must guide human relations,
o Natter namely:
o Sensation (a) between ruler and people;
o Perception (b) between parents and children;
o Mental construct (c) between husband and wife;
o Consciousness (d) between elder brother and younger
- There is no such thing as permanent brother
self. (e) between friends and friend.
- Buddhism discards the existence of the - Junzi are not perfect in the sense that they
self. never make mistakes but that their moral
- The idea of the self is illusory. character is true

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

- A true self is a noble man possesses all interference with the natural courses of
the virtues, and this noble man is called events.
the man of JEN.
- The self is a dot in the universe and being FILIPINO CONCEPT OF THE SELF
a part of nature, the self must live in - Most of our worldviews are in common
accordance with the law of nature that with the other oriental thoughts.
rules and directs the movements of all - But some neighbouring countries often
things. consider the Filipino as the most
- The highest achievement of every human westernized person because of the
being is being a wise person. captive or colonial consciousness
- As a wise person, his highest achievement - A Filipino is also multilayered because of
is affinity with the universe. foreign influences, such as those of India,
- Confucius advocated the active role of Indonesia, Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and
man in relation to creating oneness with American
nature. - Human heartedness in
o Kagandahang loob
THE SELF IN TAOISM o Kabutihang loob
- Taoism advocates what is natural and o Kalooban
spontaneous, simple, and necessary. - Our understanding of the Filipino as a self
- Derived its name from Tao or the Way of must be based on the concepts of
nature. Taoism, just like Confucianism PAGKATAO and LOOB.
aimed at humanity’s oneness with nature. - Pagkatao or humanities indicates the
- Taoism considers the self as merely one of fact that a Filipino is a human being just
the many elements of the natural world. like anyone else.
- Tao is an indescribable force that govern - The concept of loob is exemplified by
natures. Filipino holistic worldview and interiority
- The self must bring himself in harmony (human heartedness) (Mercado, 1974).
with Tao by practicing the three great - The self is seen as a body-soul
virtues: embodiment
o Humility - The present is the continuation of the past,
o Frugality and this continuity moves in a cyclic
o Contentment manner that has no beginning and no end
- Connected to philosoper Lao Txu. Wrote (Gulong ng Palad).
the main book Tao Te Ching - Harmonious relationship is of prime
- Self as merely oone of the elements to importance; this is maintained by the value
nature of sensitivity. Interiority pertains to love,
- mercy, charity, elemency, and leniency.
- The self should not strive for learning, - This human heartedness is mirrored in the
riches, and power; the self should find last Filipino concepts of:
thing happiness by being, quiet, o kagandahang loob
thoughtful, and humble. o kabutihang loob
- Aimed at humanity’s oneness with nature o kalooban
like Confucianism, but Toaism  which somehow depict our
contracdicted as regards to oness in interdependency with
nature others.
- In other word to be able to harmonize, the - They slow the social dimension of the self,
self must practice the WU-WIE  the non- sharing of the self with others in values of
pakikisama, camaraderie, hospitality,
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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

utang-na-loob, bayanihan spirit, family- always in accordance with his being with
centeredness, meal-centeredness, etc. others.
- The self, therefore, is a relational being,
who thinks, acts, behaves, and decides

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 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

TOPIC 6: THE PHYSICAL SELF

“Make sure you don’t start seeing yourself through the eyes of those who don’t value you. Know your worth
even if they don’t.”
- Thema Davis

DISCUSSION NOTES
Physical Self The body, the marvelous container and complex, fine tuned, machine, which we interface

The concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of the person that ca be directly observed and
examined
Importance of William James: considered body as the initial source of sensation nad necessary for the
Physical Self origin and maintenance of personality

Erik Erikson: The role of bodily organs is important in early developmental stages

Indian Tradition: views growth and enlightenment as the whole-body event

As a biological entity, the body has a functional role, but as a social entity it is the most visible
way of expressing and presenting someone's identity.

It conveys important messages about social status and subculture membership; in turn, it
receives messages from the outside.
Factors 1. Heredity: biological transmission of traits from parents of offspring.
Affecting 2. Environment: factors in which the individual is exposed after conception to death
Physical which includes learning and experience
Growth and
Development
Body Image Refers to a person's emotional attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of their own body.
- How we perceive our bodies visually
- How we feel about our physical appearance
- How we think and talk to ourselves about our bodies
- How we think other people view our bodie
Appearance Everything about a person that others can observe such as height, weight, skin color, and
hairstyle.
Self Esteem A person's overall subjective sense of personal worth or value. In other words, how much you
appreciate and like yourself
Perceptions A study, carried out by Fractyl titled "Perceptions of Perfection" asked 18 female graphic
of Perfection designers around the world to photoshop the image of a model to reflect what they felt would
make the image more attractive to the citizens of their country. The results show just how
much the "perfect body" varies depending on geographic location.
Causes of 1. Media Influence
Poor Body 2. Social Pressures
Image 3. Trauma/Bullying
4. Health conditions
5. Cultural Expectations
6. Childhood and Damily Influcnes
7. Critical Life Transitions
Effects of 1. Mental Health Issues
Poor Body 2. Social Withdrawal and Isolation
THE SELF AS IMPACTED BY THE BODY
Try to answer the following questions in order for
you to analyze your physical aspect:
3. Are you healthy and active?
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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

4. Are you comfortable with your body? Do - Research (Marshall, 1989) shows that low
you like what you see? self-image is correlated with poor mental
5. Are you satisfied with your sexuality? health, poor academic achievement, and
6. Are you comfortable in the material world? delinquency.
7. Are you practical, humble, financially - A positive self-image strengthens self-
stable, and free? confidence.
- Self-image is based on the way society
Your answers to the given questions basically views individuals.
give you your perspective on the basic and - And an essential ingredient of self-image
different aspects of the self namely: is the quality of human interactions.
 Physical
 Mental HOW BEAUTY IS DEFINED AROUND THE
 Emotional WORLD
 Spiritual
DEFINITION OF BEAUTY AROUND THE
RELATIONSHIP OF THE PHSYCIAL SELF TO WORLD
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF ESTEEM
- Self-esteem is an individual’s sense of 6. ETHIOPIA: Body Scars
personal worth and an acceptance of who  While some are concerned with erasing
one is. scars, Ethiopia’s Karo tribe is creating
o It is the value you place on them.
yourselves; how much you like or  In the tribe’s eyes, beauty is literally skin
dislike who you are. deep: the scars cut onto the stomachs of
- And how do you achieve this? women at childhood are seen as beautiful
o A self-help environment reflects the adornments meant to attract men who are
belief that autonomy and husband material.
independence are the birthright of 7. KENYA: Long Earlobes and Shaved
every child. Heads
- Self-concept is based on what you know  To the Masai tribe of Kenya, long,
about yourselves, which includes the stretched earlobes and low-maintenance
ability to take care of your own needs. buzz cuts are the ideal.
- To care for oneself, to feel capable of  Women are known to shave their heads
learning, to solve problems, are all rooted and use everything from elephant tusks to
to feelings of self-esteem. twigs to pierce and stretch their lobes to
- Children’s well-being should be developed become more attractive.
and its foundations laid early during the 8. BURMA AND THAILAND: Long Necks
early years of development for them to  Long, giraffe-like necks are the ultimate
understand themselves and others. sign of beauty and female elegance to the
FOUR COMPONENTS OF SELF-ESTEEM Kayan tribe.
(GORDON, 2000)  At 5 years old, Kayan women start priming
1. A sense of one’s own identity their necks with heavy brass rings.
2. A sense of belonging (connectedness)  Each year, more coils are added, pushing
3. A sense of one’s own uniqueness down their shoulders and creating the
4. A sense of self (power) effect of a longer neck.
 Keep in mind that the rings in this centuries
- A positive sense of self is critical for old ritual can weigh up to 22 pounds (9.98
young people. kg).
9. China, Thailand and Japan: Pale Skin

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 In various parts of Asia, pale, white skin is  Instead of accessorizing with extravagant
revered as a sign of affluence and jewelry, women in India turn to nose rings,
attractiveness. bindis and henna to make themselves
 In Japan, women avoid the sun at all costs, more attractive for festivals and
while skin-care products with whitening celebrations, like weddings.
agents are the norm in places like China  Brides in particular will often wear a dot of
and Thailand. red powder on the face known as a
 Sometimes, it’s hard to find products kumkum to look more beautiful.
without bleaching properties. 14. JAPAN: Stick Straight Hair
10. New Zealand: Face Tattoos  In Japan, stick straight hair is seen as the
 Tattooing is a sacred ritual to the Maori norm, and therefore, the most beautiful hair
people of New Zealand, and not texture.
something parents warn their teenagers  Japanese women with wavier patterns
they’ll one day regret. have become pros at getting this look,
 Traditionally, a chisel was used to carve turning to chemicals and flat irons to keep
grooves into the skin, creating swirling their hair as sleek as possible.
tattoos called Tamoko.  It’s no surprise that thermal
 Women with tattooed lips, chins and full reconditioning — using a bond-breaking
blue lips are the most beautiful. chemical and meticulous flat-ironing to
11. MAURITANIA: Full Figures straighten hair — is referred to as
 While Americans are perpetually dieting Japanese hair straightening in the U.S.
and striving to be thin, Western African
cultures find women who are overweight FIVE GLOBAL BEAUTY ARCHETYPES:
to be the most beautiful — the more stretch 1. Powerful Peacocks
marks, the better. a. 15% of the population  particularly
 In the past, it wasn’t completely unheard of drawn to experimentation
for families in Mauritania to send their b. They love the dynamism in beauty, in
daughters to “fat farms,” camps that would part because they’re looking to get
force-feed girls 16,000 calories a day to ahead in a dynamic world
help them reach their ideal weight. c. Particularly present in rapidly growing
 Fuller figures are still the ideal, and China, associate beauty with career
fattening camel’s and cow’s milk are go-tos success and power.
for plumping up, but thankfully, the 2. The Seductive Foxes
government now frowns upon the a. 27% of the population, the largest
unpleasant force feeding. group globally, love to use beauty
12. IRAN: Surgical Bandages products to enhance their femininity
 Nose jobs seem like a staple in the image- b. Associate beauuty withs ecual and
conscious U.S., but Iran is actually the romantic powers, like using cosmetics
rhinoplasty capital of the world. to feel sexy
 Both men and women are proud to show 3. The Social Butterflies
off their procedures — a sign of their social a. 16% of the population
status and their path on the route to b. They enjoy sharing tips with their
beauty. friends, be inspired by beautiful
 So much so that they’ll often wear their women and the feeling of
bandages much longer than needed, while contentenment and success with
others will purchase surgical tape to wear, feeling beautiful.
even if they haven’t gone under the knife.
13. INDIA: Decorated Skin

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

c. Present in Latin America, have been

buying beaity products from friends
and neighbors
4. The Graceful Swans
a. 23% of the population
b. The subtle enhance =ments that
comes from using good products
c. Aooear most in Europe and US, like to
focus on improving their existing
beauty
5. The Comfortable Cats
a. 19% of the population
b. Largely happy with their natural beuaty
c. More concentrated in Europe and the
US than emerging markets
d. View a few stable beauty products
here and there as means to feel more
comfortable in their own skin

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

TOPIC 7: THE SEXUAL SELF MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

- ―Sex is something you do. Sexuality is
something you are.‖ – Anna Freud
- Sexual self-concept in this unit will be
described along three dimensions
according to theorists
o sexual self-esteem,
o sexual depression
o sexual preoccupation.

DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY AND - For the male: scrotum, testes, epididymis,

SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS vas deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles,
- During sexual maturation (puberty urethra, and penis all qualify as being part
growth spurt), there are two important of the sex organs
physical changes that occur in your body - The male gonads (testes), which are
as you transition from being a child to that located in the scrotum (sac), outside the
of being an adult: body, are only approximately 10% of their
o development of the primary sexual mature size at the age of fourteen years.
characteristics - Rapid growth occurs for a year or two,
o development of the secondary sexual after which growth slows down; the testes
characteristics. are fully developed by the age of twenty or
twenty-one.
PRIMARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS: - The penis accelerates in growth shortly
- physical characteristics directly involved in after the rapid growth of the testes begins.
reproduction, such as the sex organs. - At first, the growth is seen in length,
- Sex organs are a broad category that followed by a gradual increase in
includes any gland, organ, or part that is circumference.
necessary for reproduction. - Nocturnal emissions (wet dreams) are
- Primary sexual characteristics are there spontaneous orgasms during sleep that
from birth (for example, penises vs. includes ejaculation for a male. They
vaginas). begin to occur when the male reproductive
- The sex organs show a major physical organs have become developed in
change during puberty – its growth and function.
development make up the primary sexual - This can be seen when boys have a
characteristics. sexually exciting dream, when they have a
- In mammals, sex is determined through full bladder, are constipated, when
hormonal events in utero that under wearing tight undergarments, or when
normal circumstances are controlled by they are too warmly covered.
the combination of X and Y
chromosomes.
- If an egg is fertilized with a sperm carrying
the X chromosome, the gonads should
develop into ovaries and the offspring will
be female; if the egg is fertilized with a
sperm carrying the Y chromosome, the
gonads should develop into testes and the
offspring will be male. (Reid, 2018). FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

- Changes caused by the gradual

development of these characteristics, like
other developments at puberty, follows a
predictable pattern.

BOYS GIRLS
Hair: Hips:
- Pubic hair appears - The hips become
- For the female: the ovaries, fallopian about one year after wider and rounder as
the testes and penis a result of the
tubes, uterus, cervix, vaginal canal,
have started to enlargement of the
Bartholin’s and Skenes glands, vagina, increase in size. pelvic bone and the
clitoris, and clitoral hood are all considered - Axillary and facial hair development of
as sex organs. appears when the subcutaneous fat.
- All parts of the female reproductive system pubic hair has almost
grow during puberty, but in different rates. completed its growth, Breasts
- The uterus weighs 5.3 grams with the as does body hair. - Shortly after the hips
- At first, all hair is start to enlarge, the
average eleven- or twelve-year-old girl; by
scanty, lightly breasts begin to
the age of sixteen, the average weight is pigmented, and fine in develop
43 grams. texture. Later it - The nipples enlarge
- During this time, the sex organs grow becomes darker, and protrude and, as
rapidly. coarser, more the mammary gland
- The menarche, or first menstrual flow, is luxuriant, and slightly develops, the breast
the first real sign of sexual maturation in kinky. become larger and
rounder.
girls.
Skin:
- This starts a series of regular discharges - The skin becomes Hair
of blood, mucus, and broken-down cell coarser, less - Pubic hair appears
tissue from the uterus that occurs every transparent, and after hip and breast
28 days until the menopause, in the late sallow in color, and development is well
forties or early fifties. the pores enlarge. underway.
- Axillary hair begins to
Glands: appear after the
- The sebaceous, or oil- menarche, as does
SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS: producing, glands in facial hair.
- emerge at puberty. the skin enlarge and - Body hair appears on
- These physical characteristics are not become more active, the limbs late in
used in sexual reproduction, but are which may cause puberty.
important for attracting a mate or being acne. - All hair except facial
able to provide care for offspring - such as - The apocrine glands hair is straight and
in the armpits start to slightly pigmented at
human breasts.
function, and first and then
- Distinguish males from females and make perspiration increases becomes more
members of one sex appealing to as puberty luxuriant, coarser,
members of the opposite sex. progresses. darker, and slightly
- Hormones secreted through the kinky.
hypothalamus initiate the development of Muscles
classically male or female secondary - The muscles increase Skin:
markedly in size and - The skin becomes
sexual traits (Reid, 2018).
strength, thus giving coarser, thicker, and
- The appearance of secondary sexual shape to the arms, slightly sallow, and
characteristics makes one “sexually legs, and shoulders the pores enlarge.
appealing”.

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UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

Voice: Glands: way for many women to achieve

- Voice changes begin - The sebaceous and orgasm through pressure and
after some pubic hair apocrine glands vibration.
has appeared. become more active 2. Vagina: it is where the “G-spot” is located.
- The voice becomes as puberty
- The interior of the vagina contain
husky and later drops progresses.
in pitch, increases in - Clogging of the nerve endings, and women report
volume, and acquires sebaceous glands that deep stimulation leads to more
a pleasant tone. can cause acne, while intense orgasms.
- Voice breaks are the apocrine glands in - The outer edge of the vagina, on
common when the armpits produce the other hand, tends to respond to
maturing is rapid. perspiration, which is light touch.
especially heavy and
Breast Knots pungent just before 3. Cervix: located at the lower end of the
- Slight knobs around and during menstrual uterus, has its own feel-good nerve
the male mammary period. pathways.
glands appear - In fact, some research suggests
between the ages of Muscles that the vagina, clitoris, and cervix
twelve and fourteen. - The muscles increase all respond separately and distinctly
- These last for several in size and strength,
to sexual stimuli.
weeks and then especially in the
decreases in number middle of puberty and - Nerves in the cervix respond most
and size. toward the end, thus to pressure stimulation, but light
giving shape to the touch has been shown to elicit a
shoulders, arms, and response as well.
legs. 4. Mouth and Lips: surveys found kissing to
be more important in relationship-building
Voice:
than in sexual arousal.
- The voice becomes
fuller and more - Studies suggest that many women
melodious. Huskiness rank the lips and mouth highly as
and breaks in the erogenous areas.
voice are rare among 5. Neck: according to a large international
girls. survey of women, both the nape and back
of the neck are among the top 10
erogenous zones.
- One study found that the neck is
FEMALE EROGENOUS ZONES
very sensitive to light touch,
- Sexual awakening takes place through the
especially among people with low
different parts of your body where they
body fat.
lead to sexual stimulation due to their
- Another study found that women
sensitivity to touch.
with spinal cord injury can get pretty
- These body parts are known as
turned on by neck stimulation alone.
erogenous zones – sensitive areas on
6. Breast and Nipples: both men and
the body that cause sexual arousal when
women have breasts for evolutionary
they are touched (Merriam Webster).
purposes especially women; and they play
a role in sexual arousal as well.
1. Clitoris: this is the female body part
- Nipple stimulation sets fireworks off
contributing most to sexual arousal.
in the same region of the brain that
- It is extremely sensitive due to
processes sensations from the
nerve endings.
clitoris and vagina.
- Research shows that stimulating
the clitoris is the fastest and easiest
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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

- Just as with the clitoris, pressure scrotum for body parts that help men
and vibration stimulate them. orgasm when touched or otherwise
7. Ears: are super sensitive to touch, stimulated.
probably due to a large number of nerve
endings. Note:
- Desire and sexuality cannot be separated.
MALE EROGENOUS ZONES Libido is a person's overall sexual drive or
1. Penis: both survey and lab-based desire for sexual activity.
scientific experiments demonstrate that - Libido is influenced by biological,
penile stimulation significantly contributes psychological, and social factors
to sexual satisfaction. - Understanding your sexual self will lead you
- And while this can be a sensitive to a better view of your sexuality – making you
subject, circumcision doesn’t responsible and educated with your actions
appear to decrease sensation or and decisions.
sexual satisfaction. - Asexual – having no sexual feelings at all.
2. Mouth and Lips: they are highly
sensitive; male lips respond to light touch, THE BRAIN AND ITS ROLE IN HUMAN
temperature, or pressure. SEXUAL RESPONSE
- Kissing also triggers a release of - The brain impacts the sequence of physical
hormones involved in intimacy – and emotional changes that occur as a person
especially oxytocin, the so-called participates in sexually stimulating activities
“love hormone.” (Wiley, 2015).
3. Scrotum: it is one of men’s most notable - The brain is responsible in translating nerve
erogenous zones. Lots of nerves mean impulses from the skin into pleasurable
that this area is super-sensitive to touch. sensations.
4. Neck: while touching the neck doesn’t - It controls nerves and muscles used during
appear to be quite as much of a turn-on sexual activity. It regulates the release of
for men as for women, it’s still ranked hormones, which are believed to be the
pretty highly on the erogenous zones list. physiological origin of sexual desire.
- The neck has great sensitivity to - The adult human brain weighs between 1300
low-frequency vibration, making it a and 1400 grams and is divided into two parts,
prime spot for light erotic touch or hemispheres, connected by a thick bundle
5. Nipples: as with women, men rank of nerves called the corpus collosum.
nipples as a definite hot spot. - Rita Carter (1999, p.6) “the human brain is as
- While male nipples don’t appear to big as a coconut, the shape of a walnut, the
serve any real purpose (they’re color of uncooked liver, and the consistency of
basically by products of evolution), chilled butter”
that doesn’t mean they’re totally - Most complex organ of the body
useless – they still have plenty of 1. Brain Stem: The evolutionarily oldest
nerve endings. structure; controls primitive responses
6. Perineum: is the area between the anus associated with sexual behaviour and
and scrotum and is hooked up to perineal facial expressions; contains circuits for
nerves, which help convey sensations of many emotions, including love/attachment,
sexual pleasure from the genitals to the joy, and sexual excitement (Lewis, 2005).
brain. 2. Hypothalamus:
7. Ears: highly sensitive to touch because of a. It controls most body systems by
a high number of sensory receptors on the regulating the production of hormones
skin, the ears are ranked just behind the

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UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

in response to both internal and ii. Parietal Lobe: processes

environmental events; information about temperature,
i. it controls the pituitary gland, taste, touch and movement
which is the master gland that iii. Temporal Lobe: processes
controls all the other endocrine memories, integrating them with
glands in the body sensations of taste, sound, sight
ii. the hypothalamus plays a key role and touch
in connecting the endocrine system iv. Occipital Lobe: primarily
with the nervous system. responsible for vision
3. The Limbic System
a. It mediates learning, memory, and SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
emotion; it contains the:  Your sexual motivation – libido, is your
i. Amygdala: helps generate overall sexual drive or desire for sexual
associations between experiences activity.
and emotions  This is affected by biological,
- Was this an experience that felt good, that psychological, and social factors.
resulted in a good meal, or a loving touch? Or  A person’s ability to engage in sexual
was this an experience that produced fear or behaviors is controlled and influenced by
pain? sex hormones, social factors
ii. Hippocampus: located near the
amygdala, it plays an important role William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the
in organizing and storing memories sexual response cycle is a model that describes
for events the physiological responses that take place during
- The amygdala and hippocampus seem to sexual activity. According to the cycle, it consists
work together, so that emotions associated of four phases:
with past experiences influence the storage 1. Excitement: the intrinsic (inner)
and retrieval of specific memories. motivation to pursue sex arises; it includes
4. Cerebral Cortex increased heart rate, blood pressure, and
a. Sometimes referred to as the muscle tension;
neocortex (neo means “new”, a 2. Plateau: sets the stage for orgasm; heart
relative latecomer, evolutionarily rate quickens, blood pressure rises,
speaking (MacLean, 1990). muscle tension increases, and breathing
b. It is the outermost layer of the brain; its becomes faster
function is responsible for thinking and 3. Ogasm: the release of tension; also
processing information from the five known as the “climax or peak” of the
senses. sexual excitement;
c. The Cerebral Cortex is made up of 4. Resolution: he return to the unaroused
tightly packed neurons and is the state before the cycle begins again; heart
wrinkly, outermost layer that surrounds rate, blood pressure, and breathing return
the brain. to normal state, and muscle tension
d. It is also responsible for higher thought decreases.
processes including speech and
decision making. WAYS WITH DEALING WITH SEXUAL
i. Frontal Lobe: for cognitive ENERGIES
functions and control of voluntary - Sexual energy is a life-energy.
movement/activity - Your sexual impulses have the power to
influence so much of what you do, how you
act, and the choices that you make

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

BY HELEN FISHER  THREE STAGES OF

1. Repression: involves keeping certain FALLING IN LOVE
thoughts, feelings, or urges out of conscious - Love can be distilled into three categories:
awareness. lust, attraction, and attachment.
a. The goal of this is to keep unacceptable
desires or thoughts out of the conscious 1. Lust: driven by the desire for sexual
mind in order to prevent or minimize gratification; evolutionary basis for this is
feelings of anxiety our need to reproduce; through
b. Subconcious reproduction, organisms pass on their
2. Suppression: the person consciously and genes, and thus contribute to the
deliberately pushes down any thoughts that perpetuation of their species.
leads to feelings of anxiety. a. Testosterone – from the testes;
a. An older man has sexual feelings being “male”; increases libido
towards a teenager and quickly b. Estrogen - from the ovaries; being
suppresses the thought. “female”; increases sexual
b. Concious motivation in women during
3. Sublimation: allows us to act out ovulation (peak of estrogen
unacceptable impulses by converting these production)
behaviors into a more acceptable form. 2. Attraction (Falling in Love): involves
a. ex. A person experiencing sexual romantic or passionate love, characterized
urges/thoughts might take up sports as by euphoria; physical symptoms of falling
a means of expressing these forces. in love include loss of appetite, inability to
4. Genital Satisfaction: giving in to one’s sleep, lack of concentration, wet palms,
sexual desires through sexual gratification; it and butterflies in the stomach
includes sexual intercourse – the likes of a. Dopamine - produced by the
premarital sex, marital sex, and extramarital hypothalamus, released when we
sex. do things that feel good to us like
5. Integration: integrate one’s sexual energies spending time with loved ones and
into friendships, marriage, vocation, and all having sex.
levels of relationships. b. Norepinephrine - High dosage are
released during attraction
HOW TO PREVENT PREMARITAL SEX? i. these chemicals make us
- Learn how to say NO! giddy, energetic, and
- One of the ways to prevent premarital sex is euphoric, even leading to
to start from educating and empowering decreased appetite and
yourself – learning the truths about sex and insomnia
evaluating the consequences of premarital ii. also known as
sex. noradrenalin, it plays a
- In the pleasure of a moment, you can be large role in the “fight or
blinded by your sexual desire. In the moment flight” response, which
of lust and passion, your future can be kicks into high gear when
destroyed. we’re stressed and keeps
- Sex is from God. He gave it to us as a gift. It's us alert.
a wedding gift.—Bill Shannon c. Phenylethylamine - natural
amphetamine
THE CHEMISTRY OF LOVE – SCIENCE i. gives the feeling of being
BEHIND LUST ATTRACTION AND on-top-of-the-world that
COMPANIONSHIP attraction can bring

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

ii. and gives the energy to

stay up day and night when Note:
in love. - The testes and ovaries secrete the sex
d. Serotonin - a hormone that’s hormones testosterone and estrogen, driving
known to be involved in appetite sexual desire
and mood - Dopamine, oxytocin, and vasopressin are
i. gives the overpowering all made in the hypothalamus, a region of the
infatuation that brain that controls many vital functions as well
characterizes the beginning as emotion.
stages of love. - Lust and attraction shut off the prefrontal
3. Attachment (Staying Together): the cortex of the brain, which includes rational
predominant factor in long-term behavior.
relationships.
a. While lust and attraction are pretty DIVERSITY OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
much exclusive to romantic - Gender and sexual diversity (GSD), or simply
entanglements, attachment sexual diversity, refers to all the diversities of
mediates friendships, parent infant sex characteristics, sexual orientations and
bonding, social cordiality, and gender identities
many other intimacies as well.
i. Oxytocin: often nicknamed SEXUAL ORIENTATION:
as “cuddle hormone”; it is a. Heterosexuals - sexually attracted to
produced by the people of the opposite sex; commonly
hypothalamus and released referred to as straight;
in large quantities during b. Homosexuals - sexually attracted to
sex (peaks during orgasm), people of their own sex; gay or lesbian;
breastfeeding, and c. Bisexuals - sexually attracted not
childbirth, all of these exclusively to people of one particular
events are precursors to gender; attracted to both men and
bonding. women;
ii. Vasopressin: also called GENDER IDENTITY
the “monogamy chemical”; a. Transgender - denoting or relating to a
researchers have found out person whose sense of personal identity
that suppression of and gender does not correspond with their
vasopressin can cause birth sex;
male prairie voles to b. Cisgender - denoting or relating to a
neglect their partners and person whose sense of personal identity
not fight off other male and gender corresponds with their birth
voles who try to mate with sex;
their partners. RELATED MINORITIES - intersex, gathered
iii. Endorphins - are under the acronyms:
chemicals produced a. LGBT or LGBTI – lesbian, gay, bisexual,
naturally by the nervous transgender/transsexual people, and
system to cope with pain or sometimes intersex people
stress; are often called
"feel-good" chemicals
because they can act as a KINSEY SCALE
pain reliever and happiness - Also called the Heterosexual–Homosexual
booster. Rating Scale, is used in research to describe

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a person's sexual orientation based on one’s a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier;

experience or response at a given time. pregnant women can pass it on to their
- The scale typically ranges from 0, meaning babies during delivery.
exclusively heterosexual, to a 6, meaning i. Symptoms: may include vaginal
exclusively homosexual. discharge and burning during urination,
- In both the male and female volumes of the but most women do not have any
Kinsey Reports, an additional grade, listed as symptoms
"X", indicated "no socio-sexual contacts or ii. Treatment: : with antibiotics; if left
reactions". untreated, it can spread to a woman's
- The reports were first published in Sexual upper, internal reproductive organs
Behavior in the Human Male (1948) by Alfred (ovaries and fallopian tubes) and cause
Kinsey, Wardell Pomeroy, and others, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); PID
were also prominent in the complementary can lead to infertility and make it difficult
work Sexual Behavior in the Human Female or impossible to become pregnant.
(1953). 2. GENITAL WARTS
a. are caused by viruses; HPV (Human
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS Papillomavirus) is the name of a large
- infections that are passed from person to group of viruses; certain types of HPV
person through sexual contact. cause warts on the hands or feet;
- There are more than 25 other sexually b. other types cause infections in the genital
transmitted infections that are mainly spread area that can lead to genital warts, cervical
by sexual contact such as vaginal, anal, and cancer, or cancer of the vulva, vagina,
oral sex. anus, and penis;;
- Globally, the World Health Organization c. people living with HIV are more likely to be
(WHO) estimates that more than one million infected with HPV than HIV-negative
people get an STI every day. people; people living with HIV and HPV are
- STIs are also sometimes called sexually also more likely to develop genital warts,
transmitted diseases (STDs). as well as cervical or anal cancer;
- While “STD” is often used interchangeably i. Treatment: regular cervical screening
with “STI”, they are not exactly the same. tests are a good way to check for HPV;
- A “disease” is usually an obvious medical there are also three effective HPV
problem with clear signs and symptoms. vaccines
“Infection” with an STI may or may not result 3. GONORRHEA
in disease. a. often called “the clap”, this bacterial
- Most people with STIs do not have any sexually transmitted infection exists in
symptoms and are therefor vaginal secretions and semen; it can be
- If left untreated, STIs can cause serious spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex
health problems including cervical cancer, without a condom or latex/polyurethane
liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease barrier
(PID), infertility, and pregnancy problems. i. Symptoms: may include a yellowish or
- People living with HIV may also be at greater greenish vaginal discharge and a
risk of getting or passing on other STIs. burning feeling when urinating; can also
affect the anus and the throat
1. CLAMIDIA: ii. Treatment: with antibiotics If left
a. one of the most common STIs; caused by untreated, it can cause PID and
a bacterium that exists ‘in vaginal infertility.
secretions and semen (“cum”); can be 4. HERPES
spread by vaginal, oral, or anal sex without

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
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a. caused by a virus that lives in the nerves. i. Pregnant women can pass syphilis to
There are two common types: their babies
i. Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) - usually 7. OTHER SECUALLY TRANSMITTED
causes cold sores around the mouth DISEASES
ii. Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) - usually a. Chancroid: caused by a bacterium; it can
causes sores in the genital area. be spread by vaginal or anal sex or skin to-
b. Symptoms: include itchy or painful skin contact with sores.
blisters; spread through skin-to-skin i. Symptoms: may include genital sores,
contact with sores, but it may also spread vaginal discharge, a burning feeling
even before sores can be seen on the when urinating, and swollen lymph
infected person. nodes in the groin.
c. Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in ii. Treatment: can be treated with
women than men. There is no cure for antibiotics
herpes, but the antiviral drugs Zovirax b. Hepatitis: an inflammation (irritation) of the
(acyclovir), Valtrex (valacyclovir), and liver; some types of hepatitis are caused by
Famvir (famciclovir) can reduce the viruses that exist in blood, vaginal
number of outbreaks secretions, semen, and breast milk;
d. Pregnant women can pass herpes to their i. these include hepatitis A (HAV),
babies. hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C
5. HIV (HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS) (HCV), all of which can be sexually
a. The virus that causes AIDS (Acquired transmitted.
Immunodeficiency Syndrome); present in ii. Treatment: there is a vaccine to prevent
blood, vaginal secretions, semen, and HAV and HBV, but not for HCV. HAV
breast milk; goes away on its own, but HBV and
b. can be spread through vaginal, oral, or HCV can become chronic (long-term)
anal sex without a condom or and very serious
latex/polyurethane barrier; getting tested c. Pubic Lice: they live in the pubic hair and
for HIV is part of routine medical care; can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact;
6. SYPHILIS they can also be spread through infected
a. caused by a bacterium; it can be spread by clothes and bedding.
vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom i. Symptoms: may include intense itching
or latex/polyurethane barrier and seeing lice or eggs in the hair.
i. a) primary syphilis (early disease) may ii. Treatment: can be treated with over-the
have pain-free open sores, called counter medications; contaminated
chancres, in the genital or anal area or d. Trichomoniasis: caused by a single-celled
around the mouth germ called a protozoa; can be spread
ii. b) secondary syphilis (a later stage of during vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a
the disease) often have a rash and/or condom or latex/polyurethane barrier;
hair loss. common cause of vaginal infections.
iii. c) latent stage during which it may have i. Symptoms: may include a foamy, foul-
no visible symptoms but can cause smelling vaginal discharge and itching
damage to the heart, brain, and other ii. Treatment: with antibiotics
organs.
b. Treatment: can be successfully treated FAMILY PLANNING AND CONTRACEPTIVES
with antibiotics; without treatment, it can
hurt your body's organs, leading to severe FACTS FROM WHO:
illness and even death.  214 million women of reproductive age in
developing countries who want to avoid

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
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pregnancy are not using a modern - Infants of mothers who die as a result of
contraceptive method giving birth also have a greater risk of death
 Some family planning methods, such as and poor health.
condoms, help prevent the transmission of HELPING TO PREVENT HIV/AIDS
HIV and other sexually transmitted - Family planning reduces the risk of
infections unintended pregnancies among women living
 Family planning/contraception reduces the with HIV, resulting in fewer infected babies
need for abortion, especially unsafe and orphans.
abortion - In addition, male and female condoms provide
 Family planning reinforces people’s rights dual protection against unintended
to determine the number and spacing of pregnancies and against STIs including HIV.
their children
 By preventing unintended pregnancy, - Babies born to adolescents have higher rates
family planning/contraception prevents of neonatal mortality.
deaths of mothers and children - Family planning is key to slowing
 Family planning allows people to attain unsustainable population growth and the
their desired number of children and resulting negative impacts on the economy,
determine the spacing of pregnancies. environment, and national and regional
 It is achieved through use of contraceptive development efforts.
methods and the treatment of infertility
(this fact sheet focuses on contraception). WHO PROVIDES FAMILY
PLANNING/CONTRACEPTIVES?
BENEFITS OF FAMILY PLANNING - Midwives are trained to provide (where
- is essential to securing the well-being and authorised) locally available and culturally
autonomy of women, while supporting the acceptable contraceptive methods.
health and development of communities. - Other trained health workers
- For methods such as sterilization, women and
PREVENTING PREGNANCY-RELATED men need to be referred to a clinician.
HEALTH RISKS IN WOMEN
- A woman’s ability to choose if and when to CONTRACEPTIVE USE
become pregnant has a direct impact on her - Contraceptive use has increased in many
health and well-being. parts of the world, especially in Asia and Latin
- Family planning allows spacing of America, but continues to be low in sub-
pregnancies and can delay pregnancies in Saharan Africa.
young women at increased risk of health - Globally, use of modern contraception has
problems and death from early childbearing. risen slightly, from 54% in 1990 to 57.4% in
- Evidence suggests that women who have 2015.
more than 4 children are at increased risk of - Regionally, the proportion of women aged 15–
maternal mortality. 49 reporting use of a modern contraceptive
- By reducing rates of unintended pregnancies, method has risen minimally or plateaued
family planning also reduces the need for between 2008 and 2015.
unsafe abortion. - In Africa it went from 23.6% to 28.5%, in Asia
it has risen slightly from 60.9% to 61.8%, and
REDUCING INFANT MORTALITY in Latin America and the Caribbean it has
- Family planning can prevent closely spaced remained stable at 66.7%.
and ill-timed pregnancies and births, which - The modern contraceptive methods for men
contribute to some of the world’s highest are limited to male condoms and sterilization
infant mortality rates. (vasectomy).

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UNDERSTANDING THE SELF BSACC 3RD YR CUTIE
UTS | Midterms | Semester 2 | Sy. 2024 – 2025

GLOBAL UNMET NEED FOR

CONTRACEPTION
- 214 million women of reproductive age in
developing countries who want to avoid
pregnancy are not using a modern
contraceptive method.
a. limited choice of methods
b. limited access to contraception,
particularly among young people, poorer
segments of populations, or unmarried
people
c. fear or experience of side-effects
d. cultural or religious opposition;
e. poor quality of available services;
f. users and providers bias
g. gender-based barriers.
- The unmet need for contraception remains too
high.
- This inequity is fuelled by both a growing
population, and a shortage of family planning
services.
- In Africa, 24.2% of women of reproductive age
have an unmet need for modern
contraception.
- In Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean
– regions with relatively high contraceptive
prevalence – the levels of unmet need are
10.2 % and 10.7%, respectively.

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