THE

PHYSICAL
SELF
GE1
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

KESSY IVY D. CRUZ

Objectives
• Identify and reflect on the different forces and institutions
that impact the development of the physical self.
• Demonstrate critical and reflective thought in integrating
the various aspects of self and identity.
• Understand the different cultural perspective about beauty.
• Recognize the role of media on the understanding of
beauty and self-esteem and its influence on body image
satisfaction.
• Appreciate one’s physical beauty.
 Question to
What is beauty? ponder on…

Is there a standard when it

comes to beauty?
Key Concepts

Body

Body image

Self-esteem
Physical Self
• The body, this marvelous container and complex, finely
tuned, machine with which we interface with our
environment and fellow beings.
• The concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of the
person that can be directly observed and examined.
• The physical self is defined by the physical
characteristics and features of the body that are visible:
sex, height, weight, complexion, hair and facial features
 “The enhancement and beautifying of the
human form by various means appeared to be
an inborn human trait-an essential part of our
genetic makeup and an expression of our
psyche.”
•Julian Robinson
Culture & Beauty

"Beauty is not one's own,

but a reflection of one's culture."
Culture & Beauty
• Standards of beauty are usually social markers
determining cultural status, social acceptance and
suitability as a mate
• Beauty has been regarded as a reflection of health,
vitality, sexual allure and social appeal. Although the
specifics of what makes someone beautiful can differ
across countries, cultures and communities, the
concept of beauty has existed for as long as there have
been people.
Culture & Beauty
Media & Beauty
• Mass media & social media
• The more we look at perfect images of
others and then look to find those same
idealized characteristics in ourselves and
don’t find them, the worse we feel about
ourselves
• Body dissatisfaction is influenced not only
by how we interpret societal ideals, but by
how we perceive ourselves.
Key Concepts

Body

Body image

Self-esteem
Body Image & Self-esteem
• Body image is how you view your physical self—
including whether you feel you are attractive and
whether others like your looks.
• Self-esteem is all about how much you feel you are
worth — and how much you feel other people value
you. It is how you value and respect yourself as a
person. Self-esteem affects how you take care of
yourself, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Body Image & Self-esteem
• According to Jung and Lee (2006), the lower or
more negative one’s body image, the lower his
or her self-esteem.
• In addition, the more optimistically one feels
about his or her appearance, the more
optimistically he or she will feel about him or
herself overall.
How do I know if I have a healthy
body image and self-esteem?
• You see and think of yourself as a whole person, not a
collection of specific body parts.
• You accept and celebrate the uniqueness of your natural
body shape and size.
• You understand that a person’s physical appearance says
very little about their character and value as a person.
• You feel comfortable and confident in your body, and
avoid worrying about food, weight, and counting calories.
How to increase self-esteem
• Make a list of the stuff you’re good at.
• Give yourself three compliments every day.
• Remember that your body is your own, no matter what
shape, size, or color it is.
• Remember that there are things about yourself you
can’t change.
• When you hear negative comments in your head, tell
yourself to stop.