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Midterms Reviewer - Understanding The Self

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Tomas del Rosario College | Kristine Santos | BSA – 1A

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF Physical Self


Lesson 4 | The Physical Self - is the amazing vessel, complex, woven and knitted,
finely tuned creature with which we interact with our
Introduction environment and fellow beings.
"The physical body is conceived and constructed
- is the concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of the
in consciousness as are time and space. All happens person that can be directly observed and examined. It is
within our self." - Deepak Chopra
composed of systems that receive and respond to various
Deepak Chopra's quote invites us to consider the external and internal stimuli.
deep connection between our consciousness and our
Sigmund Freud
physical form. It suggests that our bodies are not merely
physical entities but are intricately linked to our thoughts, Sigmund Freud's concept of self and personality makes
feelings, and awareness. In essence, our bodies are a the physical body the core of human experience. Freud
canvas upon which the colors of our consciousness paint stated that ego is first and foremost a body ego.
the picture of our existence.
Wilhelm Reich
"Physical fitness is not only one of the most
important keys to a healthy body, but also the basis of Moreover, Wilhelm Reich emphasized the unity of the
dynamic and creative activity." - John F. Kennedy mind and body. The body is central to all dynamic
psychological functioning, and it plays a very important
John F. Kennedy's quote underscores the role in storing and channeling bioenergy, which is
practical benefits of maintaining a healthy body. It considered as the basis of human existence and
stresses that physical fitness is not just about looking experience.
good but is a foundational element for leading an active,
vibrant, and creative life. When our bodies are healthy Erik Erikson
and strong, we have the energy and vitality needed to Meanwhile, Erik Erikson considered experience as firmly
engage in dynamic activities, pursue our passions, and be associated on the groundplan of the body. He stated that
creative. This quote reminds us that taking care of our organs of the body are essential during the early
physical selves is not a superficial endeavor but a key to developmental stages of a person. The formation and
unlocking our full potential. development of physical and intellectual skills greatly
Physical Body influences the ability of the individual to choose his role
in society and be fulfilled.
- is the window to one's personality. By merely looking
at someone's physical features, you can have an idea of Abraham Maslow
his or her feelings, thoughts, and behavior. Much of our Maslow provided a very important lesson about our
resources has also been devoted to beauty products and physical bodies when he laid down Maslow's Hierarchy
treatments in order to improve the way we look, because of Needs. Once the physiological needs are met, the
we want others to have a good impression of who we are. person becomes dedicated to attaining the higher-order
needs. That is why he emphasized that we give due
attention to all the needs of the body. A well-nourished,
Shavelson described the total self or general self as loved, respected individual experiences fulfillment. On
being made up of academic self and nonacademic self. the other hand, deliberate self-denial and rejection of the
body's basic needs will result in an inactive, crippled
1. Academic Self - is influenced by the learning process organism.
and the individual's emotions, behavior, and experiences
during the learning process Taking Care of Our Physical Body
2. Non-Academic Self - is shaped by an individual's social The physical body has been considered as the "real
self, emotional self, and physical self. home," "temple," "vehicle". It is the only one that we
have throughout our entire lives and is also the one most
a. Social Self - is greatly influenced by parents, intimate to us.
colleagues, friends, and acquaintances among
others. Our physical body is our instrument so we can perform
our daily tasks. It is through this body that we interact
b. Emotional Self - is the person's experiences of with other people, with other living organisms, and with
joy, anger, fear, anxiety, and other emotions. the rest of our surroundings. It is just vital that we take
c. Physical Self - is affected by involvement in good care of every single structure that makes up our
sports, exercise, and other activities that bodies. We have to make sure that it can function well.
enhance the physical body. When we take good care of it, we are not only referring
to the external part, but even the internal components of
the body.

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Tomas del Rosario College | Kristine Santos | BSA – 1A
Self-Care 3. Emotional Self-Care
- Self-care is the intentional, planned, and actual act of - In his book, The Presence Process, Michael Brown
taking the time to attend to our basic physical, mental, stated that all emotions are essentially "energy in
and emotional needs motion" They are not good nor bad. They are just energy.
- It is quality rest that we offer to our bodies in order to - We have come up with standardized names for those
replenish the lost energy utilized in performing our daily emotions or energies in motion, such as fear, anger,
activities. It is an act of love and kindness for ourselves. anxiety, sadness, happiness, excitement, and thrill
among others. We also classified them as "desired" for
3 Levels of Self-Care the positive emotions and "unwanted" for the negative
1. Physical Self-Care ones. Because we can feel or experience all these kinds
of emotions, it is unfair to be "right" or "wrong" based on
2. Mental Self-Care the way we feel.
3. Emotional Self-Care - A very important step in dealing with our emotional self
1. Physical Self-Care is to recognize the validity of our emotional state. We
will surely benefit from this initial step because it is
- This aspect of self-care is the simplest one and is very something that is already happening. An attempt to hide
common nowadays. or disregard the current emotional state will just bring
additional tension.
- There are three basic aspects of physical self-care, and
these include good nutrition, sufficient amount of - After recognizing the emotion, we can either alter the
recovery time (rest and sleep), and necessary exercise. emotional state or we go not. For example, you might be
feeling sad or lonely because an unexpected event just
- Others might have other ways to care for the body happened. Because you do not want to stay sad, you
depending on the specific need and preferences, like
change your circumstances so you can also change the
breathing exercises, massages, long baths, saunas, emotion and decide to invite your friends for a movie or
physiotherapy, biking, hiking, skin care, and more.
dinner, take a stroll in the park, or eat your favorite dish.
2. Mental Self-Care
- On the other hand, the second option tells us that we
- Mental self-care is a two-fold process, according to can actually detach the mental interpretation from the
Brzosko (2018). emotion itself (for example, it is my friend's fault why I
feel angry today, because she did not join me in the
- The first step is taking time to consistently break down party), we can gradually get to the root of the feeling.
what you are thinking and why you are thinking that,
because the moment you manage to notice your - Consequently, we integrate the emotions as a valid
thoughts, they will not have the power to direct your life part of our experience, not being worse nor better than
without you even noticing. As we become conscious of others. With these, we will no longer seek some feelings
our own thinking, we can choose where to focus our over others. We simply believe that all emotions have
thinking. We can choose to center our thoughts on their root cause and that they are valid. Sometimes, we
something positive. We can think of an idea, an activity, just need to be cautious and mindful of these emotions,
or a place that energizes us the most. so that they will not have a negative impact to our daily
activities and to the way we interrelate with other people
- The second step is to cultivate those mental habits and around us.
thoughts that benefit us. As what has been mentioned
previously, keep those thoughts that improve our well-
being. It is not helpful if we meditate on negative words,
negative experiences, and negative people that we have
encountered. We are just wasting our precious time with
those negative thoughts.
Here are other tips for improving our mental habits
suggested by Brzosko (2018):
- Focus your attention on the present moment
- Practice gratitude.
- Exercise patience.
- Learn to accept what is already happening

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Tomas del Rosario College | Kristine Santos | BSA – 1A
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF Sexual Self Concept
Lesson 5 | The Sexual Self A cognitive perspective on the sexual aspects of “self”
and refers to the perception of a person as a sexual
Sex Vs Gender creature.
Sex refers to the physical or physiological
Gender Expression
differences between males and females, including both
the primary sex characteristics and secondary Gender expression is an act of how someone prefers to
characteristics (Diamond, 2002). Sex is therefore defined express his or her gender to the world. This includes the
by the reproductive organs, including the cellular behavior and outward appearance of a person. For
components, the chromosomes, and the hormones. instance, pink is for girls and blue for boys. It is also
expressed through a person's chosen pronunciation, and
Types of Sexual Characteristics in Human Being
through hairstyle, body features, interest, body language,
1. Primary Sexual Characteristics - Are the physical voice, and mannerism. There are 3 types of Gender
characteristics directly involved in reproduction, such as Variations.
the sex organs/reproduction system. 1. Cisgender - These are the persons whose, denoting
2. Secondary Sexual Characteristics - Are the result of themselves correspond to the sex assigned to them when
hormonal changes in the body during puberty. Things he was born.
such as the development of breasts in women or angular 2. Transgender - Someone whose gender identity differs
features and thicker body hair in men. from that typically associated with the sex they were
WAAC OR Western Australian AIDS Council (2020) assigned at birth. Some transgender people who desire
medical assistance to transition from one sex to another
- Male is a person with the penis or the male reproductive identify as transsexual.
organ, with XY chromosomes in his cells and the body is
capable of producing high levels of testosterone. 3. Genderfluid - Refers to a person whose gender identity
is not fixed or he/ she depends on the situation.
- Female is a person with vagina or the female Nowadays, there are an increasing number of individuals
reproductive organ, with XX chromosomes and is capable who classify themselves as general fluid. This is because
of releasing high levels of estrogen. of the influence of the people around them, trauma from
- Intersex is a person born with the sexual anatomy or past experiences, and other environmental factors.
chromosomes that do not fit the traditional definition of Sexuality / Sexual Identity
male or female. The person has the combination of
reproductive sex organs, including internal sex organs, Sexuality pertains to the part of a person expressed
chromosomes, and hormones. through sexual activities and relationships. It is often
represented through one's feelings, sexual identity, and
According to Diamond (2002), gender refers to behaviors. Sexual identity is how a person chooses to
social or cultural roles played by male or female in the describe or label his or her sexuality. There are many
society. Gender identity is the extent to which one labels a person can choose. Among these are;
identifies as being either masculine or feminine, or how
someone feels on the inside (WAAC 2020). 1. Heterosexual - A person who is attracted to the people
of opposite sex.
Sex is characterized by the physical self of a
person and is classified the moment we are born. 2. Homosexual - A person who is sexually or romantically
However, gender is classified by how a person wants to attracted to people of their same sex.
be perceived. Gender is subjective, no one can tell your 3. Bisexual - A person who is attracted to both genders.
gender aside from you. And gender can change over
time, unlike sex. The different kind of genders that most 4. Asexual - A person who does not experience sexual
of us know is the LGBTQ+, an acronym used to describe attraction toward individuals of any gender. It is referred
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning to as “aces,” some people who are asexual do experience
persons or the community. romantic attraction to people of one or multiple genders.
Puberty 5. Pansexual - A person’s attraction to multiple genders.
A stage in human development. A time when one person 6. Questioning - Refers to individuals in the process of
physically becomes an adult. The body goes through a lot determining their sexual orientation or gender identity.
of changes and the emotions might feel stronger and They are unsure, still exploring, or concerned about
more intense. applying a social label to themselves for various reasons.

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Tomas del Rosario College | Kristine Santos | BSA – 1A
Three Common Aspect to Describe Sexuality
(WAAC 2020)
1. Feelings and fantasies. These may include the center
of affection or the person we are attracted to, and we are
intimately connected with.
2. Behaviors also affect someone's sexuality. This is
expressed through any form of sexual contact as well as
flirting.
3. Identity that corresponds to the label or someone's
sexuality
Queer Theory
Queer theory is a perspective that questions the
manner of which we have been taught a sexual
orientation. They are the umbrella term that describes
people who aren't exclusively heterosexual. Queer
stands for the Q in the LGBTQIA+ the member of them
disagrees with the idea of labeling and they embrace the
term queer to describe their group. They do not adhere
to the idea of a dominant schema and the classification
of sexual orientation into homosexual and heterosexual.
The people who are under this organization
emphasize that they need more flexibility, and fluid
conceptualization of sexuality that will permit freedom
and negotiation and change. They want freedom but an
exclusive environment just enough for them to thrive in.
Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick
She was a poet, artist, literary critic, and teacher. She is
best known as one of the originators of Queer Theory.
A Queer theorist who pointed out dozens of other ways
in which people's sexuality was different.
According to her, even identical acts mean very different
things to different people.
Furthermore, for many people, it does not matter if
homosexual, heterosexual, or bisexual may experience a
different matrix about their gender that the other gender
may not feel in that same manner.

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Tomas del Rosario College | Kristine Santos | BSA – 1A
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF William James’ Three Ways on How We Connect with
Objects:
Lesson 6 | The Material Self
1. Controlling the object.
Abstraction
2. Controlling others through connection with these
In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes: The
objects.
Sign of Four, the infamous fictional detective Sherlock
Holmes was challenged by his loyal friend, Dr. James 3. Sartre also stated that we make a connection with an
Watson, to say something about the owner of a watch Dr. object by either creating or buying it.
Watson has at hand. Watson issued this challenge
However, recent culture and economy have shifted our
because he remembered Holmes saying, "it is difficult for
a man to have any object in daily use without leaving the focus from production to consumption (Hurson 2013). As
we have learned from previous lessons, our society
impress of his individuality upon it" and he wanted to
learn more about Holmes' deductive methods. Of course, affects our concept of self and this shift of focus to
Holmes was able to shock Dr. Watson and deduce not production had us consuming more and producing less
only the identity, but also accurate personal pieces of for ourselves. We buy cabinets and not make one, we buy
information about the owner. Throughout the novels and 3-in-1 coffees instead of mixing it on our own, and so on.
series, Sherlock Holmes would keenly observe things like That might be a reason why most people find it relaxing
a shirt, hat, jacket, pants, jewelry, etc. among others to or fulfilling to construct things on their own.
know more about the former owner of the item. This Knowing about something creates a connection between
connection of the self to one's possessions has been an you and your object of interest (Belk, 1988). The concept
interest of the social sciences, particularly anthropology of material self is also related to materialism and self-
and psychology. esteem. Based from the studies of Chan in 2019,
There were also studies on how one object gains materialism is about the belief of a person on the
status as a "prestige good" or something that gives a importance of material objects to the achievement of
perception that the owner has more prestige. An happiness or success.
example would be, some societies may consider having a Several psychological studies support the idea that
car as a sign of wealth, others would see having more materialism is inversely related to self-esteem.
land or livestock. Another case would be how an object Meaning, it is more likely that a materialistic person is
becomes part of a family's history, like a necklace passed using objects to compensate for his or her low self-
down to the eldest child of each generation. esteem or something that is lacking in his or her personal
The Material Self and its meaning on Anthropology life, like a good relationship with family, inability to make
and Psychology friends or a romantic relationship, and the like
(Christopher and Schenker 2004; Jarrett 2013). The set-
Anthropology - The material self according to up might be because he or she is more emotionally
anthropology focused more on the cultural meanings connected to objects than people, or he or she is using
and collective processes of meaning-giving to objects in material objects to gain acceptance in a circle of people.
relation to the self. Particularly in cultural anthropology,
the way culture and groups has given meaning to things A study by Richins in 1994 showed that highly
has been of interest. As provided in the introduction, we materialistic people put value on their belongings as a
can use the process of putting a sentimental. boost of social status while less materialistic people
value their possessions for their own joy and comfort.
Psychology - value on one object as an example.
Psychology focused more on the individual level and Russell Belk further researched the material self and
how individuals put meanings to things based on their theorized how objects become extensions of ourselves
own basis. or our identities. These objects extend ourselves in space
and time. A tool helps double our strength, a weapon
William James extends our reach, a uniform helps us relate with a group,
or a t-shirt can remind us of our own travels. Belk also
William James was one of the first to describe the self as claimed that we connect through using objects to control
the totality of everything that one calls his or hers, others, like giving gifts or using bribes.
which included what he called the "material self." This
material self focuses more on the body, our clothes and Self and Objects Through
belongings, our immediate family, as well as the place we
Our perspective and connection with objects develop
call home.
through time. There are four (4) stages of development
according to Belk.

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Tomas del Rosario College | Kristine Santos | BSA – 1A
Four (4) stages of development according to 3. Have your own goal, take your own time - Have a goal
Belk (1988) for both short-term and long-term. But give emphasis to
the latter one. Do not just think of something to buy.
1. The infant distinguishes self from environment. Think more about something to improve your financial
2. The infant distinguishes self from others. status.

3. Possessions help adolescents and adults manage their 4. Budget, Budget, Budget - When you have a budget,
identities. you have a realistic idea of what you can spend on
whatever you want, and a peace of mind that you have
4. Possessions help the old persons have a sense of at least taken care of your important responsibilities.
continuity and preparation for death.
5. Save in order to be safe - Having savings in the bank
Jarrett (2013) emphasized that our relationship with the provides you a security in case of emergencies. You must
material world starts with the idea that whoever gets not use your savings until an emergency comes or until
something first is its owner. you can finally use it to purchase long-term goals.
“Transitional objects” are the objects a child would find 6. Keep your spending habits in check - Stick first to the
first and claim that the object is his or hers. These objects essentials and find ways to increase your income as it is
aim to develop the skills of a child toward more so easy to lose track of the budget and spend your
independence. An example would be when a child finds savings.
a toy and does not want to let go of it, or another baby
takes the toy and the first one throws a tantrum because 7. Increase income flow - Sometimes the budget can be
it was taken from him or her. too tight or the money in the bank is not growing enough.
Therefore, you must find other legal ways to increase
3 reasons why young people value possessions: your income.
1. Emotional attachment 8. Good debt vs. bad debt - Bad debts are those we
2. Social Meaning acquired but we don’t necessarily need or don’t increase
our financial capabilities. Good debts are those we
3. Personal Association acquire and will increase our financial capabilities.
Emotional Attachment is when people value their 9. Make your money grow - Through passive income
possessions based on the happiness that they get from it. sources or investments. These are means of increasing
your income wherein, after putting in the necessary
Social Meaning becomes a basis of people to value their
initial work, the money will grow on its own and yield
possessions because of the ability of the object to attract
profit higher than just being in the bank.
other people or make them feel that they belong.
10. Protect the future - You need to have insurance for
Personal Association is how an object is related to our
your health in case of any emergency. But always
concept of self. An example would be buying an eight-
remember, research is necessary to avoid falling for fake
note necklace because you think you are a musician.
insurances.
Managing Resources
11. Your general investment is still yourself - You must
However, as time goes by and as people age, the never stop learning and improving yourself, your skills,
relationship between the owner and the object changes and your passions among others. Health is the greatest
and deepens. The object becomes a vessel of memory. wealth one can have and the more you know, the more
opportunities you will see as well as the things you need
While it is hard for us to manage our resources properly to avoid.
and lessen out ‘gastos’, here are 12 tips on how to
manage your resources that can significantly affect our 12. Enjoy life no matter what - Reflect on at least the top
possessions. 5 things that you’ll place above money, those that will
bring you fulfillment, joy, and purpose. Enjoy your profits,
1. Keep your perspective in check - Money is important keep a good relationship with your family, have a healthy
but it should be perceived as a means to a better end. and romantic relationship, serve the community, and
You should not sacrifice short-term satisfaction over engage in anything that will make you happy.
long-term fulfilment and joy.
2. Have money, do not just pretend - “The goal is to be
rich, not to look rich.” Social comparison can have a huge
impact on one’s self-esteem, but having to pretend
something you are not only causes problems in the long
run, especially in finances.

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Tomas del Rosario College | Kristine Santos | BSA – 1A
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF Western Culture
Lesson 7 | The Self: Western and Eastern Thought - Individualistic and diverse society
Confucius and Lao Tzu - Influenced by Greek and Roman philosophy,
Christianity, and Enlightenment thinkers
Both philosophers influenced Chinese culture and ethics
- Values rationality, progress, and individual rights
Confucius
- Founder of Confucianism, believed in moral cultivation Variation of Western and Asian
- Different interpretations within both Eastern and
- “Try really hard all the time.”
Western thought
Lao Tzu
- Heterogeneity across countries, regions, and time
- Founder of Taoism, focused on living in harmony with periods
nature
- Sub-schools of thought within Confucianism and
- “Don’t try at all, when you try to hard you come off as Taoism, as well as different Buddhist traditions
contrived and disingenuous.”
Notes
- was conceived by a shooting star and was born of a
virgin mother, who kept him in her womb for 82 years. Christianity Bible
Buddhism Tripitaka
- was said to be born with flowing hair, which signified Hinduism Gita
that he would become a wise man. Islam Quran
Judaism Tora
Confucianism
- Philosophy originating from China
Christian Church
- Emphasizes moral values, social order, and harmony Islam Mosque
Jewish Synagogue
- Founded by Confucius, a Chinese philosopher Monks Monastery
- Focus on having a harmonious social life (HO 1995)

Taoism
- Philosophy originating from China

- Explores the way of nature and finding balance in life

- Emphasizes simplicity, spontaneity, and the concept of


“Wu-Wei” (non-action)

- Influenced by Lao Tzu’s teachings

Buddhism
- Religion and philosophy originating from India

- Focuses on personal enlightenment and the release


from suffering

- The self is also the source of all those sufferings ( HO


1995)

East Vs. West


- Contrasting cultures and ways of thinking

- Eastern thought emphasizes harmony, collectivism,


and respect for authority

- Western thought emphasizes individualism, freedom,


and critical thinking

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Tomas del Rosario College | Kristine Santos | BSA – 1A
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF 2. Commit - It is a matter of perspective. Decide to start
and continue with your spiritual journey. Begin with self-
Lesson 8 | The Spiritual Self love. With growing measures of love, joy, peace,
Three Components of Body patience, kindness, goodness, and gratitude, one can
start being more spiritual right away.
The body is believed to be made up of three components:
body, soul, and spirit. 3. Practice - Just keep on doing and progressing. Human
beings must continually practice mindful attention to
1. Body - is the physical being that responds to stimuli their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to find
and communicates with the surroundings. experiences in spirituality.
2. Soul - comprises the emotions and thoughts of a 4. Study - Explore and relate with others' experiences of
person spirituality, whether through religion or personal
3. Spirit - is the intangible aspect that communicates with journeys. Seek advice and guidance from people who
deities in the spiritual realm. Human beings are have been through the same path.
incomplete without the spirit. 5. Choose love and respect - Commit to loving and
Religion - teaches us the value of a higher being who respecting yourself above all else, then do it with others.
develops in us our morality and conscience. If you truly accept your own strengths and weaknesses,
you can easily and unconditionally offer love and respect
The Spiritual Self to others. Even in awkward, conflicting situations, choose
to remain calm and interact with compassion and grace.
Spiritual Self - is considered as the higher self, the inner
self, and a person’s true being that is greatly influenced
by a spiritual deity.
Meditation Practices - increase positive emotions, which
may yield positive consequences for life satisfaction.
Spiritual Self and Coping with Stress
According to Dr. Seppala of Stanford University's
Center for Compassion and Altruism research, spiritual
people engage in practices that can help reduce levels of
stress (Miller, K. 2020).
It has been observed that spiritual people are more likely
to help the poor through donations, volunteer work and
community services.
Spiritually active people cope with stress through
meditation rather than overeating or engaging in
unhealthy coping behaviors.
Religious people - choose to spend quality time with
family, and they feel a strong sense of belonging to a
community of like-minded people.
Spiritual people - have a very high regard to prayer.
Spirituality - is not a simple subject for experiential study.
It is actually a complex system that requires serious and
dedicated effort.
Starting Your Own Spiritual Journey
Through the spiritual group, people find
connections in troubling times.
Miller (2020) proposed a simple guideline on how to start
our spiritual journey.
1. Start small and make new habits easy - We are not
required to strictly follow a set of beliefs overnight.
Spiritual journey is a process, and it is progressive.
Becoming spiritual can be as simple as staying silent for
five to 10 minutes a day in a peaceful environment.

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