Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar

Website: http://uep.edu.ph Email: uepnsofficial@gmail.com

Understanding
The
Self

Geselle R. Pajares,LPT
UNPACKING THE SELF

This module seeks to realize the following outcomes:

a. Identity and reflect on the different forces and institutions that impact the
development of the physical self.

b. Explain the impact of culture on body image and self-esteem.

c. Discuss the role of media on the adolescents' understanding of beauty and self-
esteem and its influence on their body image satisfaction.

d. Examine one's self against the different concepts and aspects of the physical
self.

e. Propose measures to enhance the adolescents' "body image satisfaction"

THE SELF AS IMPACTED BY THE BODY

Many disciplines agree on the premise that the physical self is an important
component in the study of the person's self identity. As what William James said,
"the self is the sum total of all that man can call his, which includes his body,
family, and reputation, also his clothes and his house. Such body, family, clothes,
and the like are also described by Russell W. Belk as part of our extended self.

William James, a renowned psychologists and a pioneer of American Sociology,

states that the body is the initial source of sensation and necessary for the origin
and maintenance of personality. Erik Erickson also claims that experience is
anchored in the ground-plan of the body. This is supported by Sigmund Freud
who states that the physical body is the core of human experience. Furthermore,
Maurice Merleau-Ponty placed the body at the center of human existence, as a
way of experiencing the world.

It makes clear to us that the body is the way through which we make sense of the
world and our environment. We experience life through our bodies and senses,
allowing us to interpret the world around us. However, the body is not merely an
object in the world but we are also our bodies in that the body is the vehicle for
our expression in the world.

From the late 1970s to 1980s, Humanities and Sociology developed a new and
broader interest in the body. The sociologists, Ulrich Beck and Anthony Giddens,
agree in saying that the body is the only fix-point of self-identity.

THE IMPACT OF CULTURE ON BODY IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM: THE IMPORTANCE

OF BEAUTY

Standards of beauty and appearance are the product of a diverse mix of cultural
and historical influences. Norms of beauty and appearance are tied to ideals of
appearance and hard work. Today the norm of standard beauty includes wavy
blond hair, light skin and eyes, and a tall and slim skin. The male ideal remains
"muscular wash-board abs, powerful legs, chiseled features.

Now let us talk about body image and identity. Sukhanova and Thomasshoff in
Body image and identity in contemporary societies, bring together into different
fields. What do we exactly mean by body image? In this concept, we think of how
attractive our body is. It refers to the person's perception of the level of
attractiveness.

Along with the concept of body image is the concept of beauty. Beauty is of two
types: the inner beauty which refers to the inner qualities of the person and the
external beauty which refers to the physical characteristics of the person. External
beauty focuses on the physical features of the body commonly defined as a
combination of qualities which includes shape, color, form, that pleases the
aesthetic senses, especially the sight.
For Samantha Lovascio, visually appealing visually appealing traits greatly impact
our lives, in the matter of modest importance to great importance. It seems such
attraction to body image and aesthetic capital is increasingly becoming today's
preoccupation, especially of young people as it gradually becomes the basis upon
which one's identity and self esteem are built.

THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF BODY IMAGE AND SELF-

ESTEEM

Culture is commonly defined as the shared patterns of thoughts, beliefs,

behaviors, and habits in both material and symbolic realms. Through culture,
society shapes us in many ways. Body image is both internal and external. These
include how we perceive our body visually, how we feel about our physical
appearance, how we think and talk to ourselves about our bodies, and our sense
how other people view out bodies.

De Mollo explains that the culture of physical improvement trains us not only to
believe that all bodily processes are under our control, but to feel ashamed about
those parts of our flesh that refuse to comply with the cultural ideal. Lelwica
clarifies however that shame about the body is caused commercially-fabricated
fantasy of physical perfection.

Audrey Tramel mentions the predominance of "Pop Culture." Pop culture or

popular culture is a culture widely accepted and patronized by the public. It
influences the way a person define himself/herself. Self-definition refers to the
way a person sees himself. Self-definition can be intrinsically tied into self-esteem
and confidence, two critical components of a healthy disposition throughout
maturation and into adulthood.

In our hyper-mediated society, we are constructly beset with media images,

especially advertisements representing appropriate bodies or skin. The media
creates ideals, in the form of celebrities and models, for men and women to
admire. Human beauty can cause a great deal of pain, especially from the
perspective of those who may not measure up to the standard of beauty.

THR INFLUENCE OF MEDIA ON THE ADOLESCENT'S UNDERSTANDING OF BEAUTY

Genesis M. Jaellana mentions that the media plays a large role in how teenagers
view themselves by shaping images of what teenagers are supposed to be or do.
Findings from further studies, showed that teenagers imagine themselves being
the actor/actress in the movie they have watched. Teenagers follow a lot of
beauty, fashion and fitness advice that they read from magazines. They also feel
unhappy about their weight after seeing a model from magazine or TV.

THE SELF ESTEEM AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

Self-esteem sometimes referred to as self-worth or self-respect, is an important

part of success. Too little self-esteem can leave people feeling defeated or
depressed. It can also lead people to bad choices or fail live up to their full
potential.

Developing Self-esteem

a. Understanding that healthy, attractive bodies come in many shapes and sizes;

b. Physical appearance says a little about our character or value as a person;

c. How we get to this point of acceptance often depends on our individual

development and self-acceptance.

Answer the following questions:

1. According to William James, this is the sum total of all that man can call his.

2. What is the way through we make sense of the world and our environment?

3. It refers to the person's perception of the level of attractiveness of his/her body

or it can be somebody's own impression of how his/her body works.

4. It is generally defined as the shared patterns of thoughts, beliefs, behaviors,

and habits in both material and symbolic realms.

5. It is used to describe person's overall sense of self-worth or personal value.

6. What are the possible effects of depression to the person and to people around
him.
7. Which part of the body you are most proud of? Why?

8. Listen to these songs ( Unpretty(TLC), Beautiful (Christina Aguilera).Reflect on

the lyrics and cite the line that is most striking to you. Explain why you have
chosen it.

9. Discuss your own concept of beauty.

10. What is your ideal body? Describe the body you want to have.