Module 4

MODULE 4
Unit 2: UNPACKING THE SELF
Intended Learning Outcome:

1. Explore and discuss the different aspects of self and identity (CLO2).
2. Demonstrate critical, reflective thought in integrating the various aspects of self and identity (CLO2).
3. Gain self-insight by examining one’s self against the different aspects of the self that were discussed in
class (CLO2).
Time element: 12 hours
Lesson 1: Physical Self
Name: Course& Yr.: Section:

Lesson Preparation/ Review/Preview
When you look at the mirror, who do you see? Do you see abeautiful human being looking back at you, someone
who iscontributing to life, who is accepting and loving, who isconnected to a bigger picture that fills you with joy, or do yousee
someone who doesn’t fit the “image” of who you think youare “supposed” to be.
This lesson will present the basic structure of the physical you, or more precisely, your core psychological elements
for functioning in the physical dimension. Just as Consciousness individuates itself in order to get to know itself better, your
Essence self, asa child of Consciousness, does the same. Your physical self is a further iteration of Consciousness’s never-
ending quest for Self-knowledge. Your Essence self, for reasons of its own expansion and educational needs, chooses a
broad yet definitive intentional path of learning for your physical self to explore.
TASK NO.1:
Physical Self-Inventory
Directions: Answer the Very Short form of the Physical Self-Inventory (PSI-VS) to assess your current global self-worth,
physical self-worth, physical condition, sport competence, physical attractiveness and physical strength. Evaluate yourself by
answering the following questions below which you will post at our e-classroom board.
1. Do you agree with the results of your PSI-VS? Why or why not?
2. Make a list of 3 things that you love about your physical self.
3. Is your PSI-VS result consistent with your list that you love about your physical self? The Physical Self-Inventory
GEC US Understanding the Self Page 2

Please rank the following on a scale of 1-6 (1 – Not at all, 2 – Very little, 3 – Some, 4 – Enough, 5 – A lot, 6 – Entirely) by
putting a check mark on the appropriate box to assess your general self-esteem, physical self-worth, sports competence,
physical condition, attractive body, and physical strength.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Not at all Very little Some Enough A lot Entirely
1. I have a good opinion of myself.
2. Globally, I’m proud of what I can do physically.
3. I’m physically stronger than most people.
4. I am happy with who I am and what I can do physically.
5. I would be good at physical stamina exercises.
6. I have a nice body to look at.
7. I would be good at exercises that require strength.
8. I think I could run for a long time without tiring.
9. I can find a way out of difficulties in all sport.
10. Nobody finds me good-looking.
11. Everybody thinks that I am good-looking.
12. I do well in sports.
13. I would like to stay as I am.
Maïano, C., Morin, A., Ninot, G., Monthuy-Blanc, J., Stephan, Y., Florent, J., &Vallée, P. (2008). A short and very short form of
the physical self-inventory for adolescents: Development and factor validity. Psychology Of Sport And Exercise, 9(6), 830-847.
doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2007.10.003

Concept Notes Presentation
Physical self refers to the body which we interface with our environment and fellow being. It is tangible aspect of the
person that can be directly observed and examined.
People nowadays are too conscious on how they look. How they see themselves in the mirror, how people will look at
them and what will people say about them. Our concept of our self and the perception of people around us will always have big
effect on how we deal in a situation, cultural or not. This discussion of Physical Self has found place on different Schools of
Psychology, like psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanism etc. For example:
• William James considered body as initial source of sensation and necessary for the origin and maintenance of personality.
It is an element of spiritual hygiene of supreme significance. For example, a boxer during a fight, do not notice/feels his
wounds until the intensity of fight has subside.
• Sigmund Freud, in Psychoanalytical school, construction of self and personality makes the physical body the core of human
experience.
• Wilhelm Reich argued that mind and body are one; all psychological processes, he postulated, are a part of physical
processes, and vice versa.
• According to Erik Erikson, the role of bodily organs is especially important in early developmental stages of a person’s life.
Later in life, the development of physical as well as intellectual skills help determine whether the individual will achieve a
sense of competence and ability to choose demanding roles in a complex society. For example, a child gets their confidence
when they become bigger, stronger, faster and more capable of learning complex skills.
• Carl Jung, argued that the physical body and the external world can be known only as psychological experiences.
• B.F. Skinner, says that the role of the body is of primary importance.
Which from this different orientation clearly show us and explains how people deals with their physical self. Regardless
of what culture or traditions he or she may be, his or her interpretation of himself will be how people act in the community.
Self-Esteem
People from different culture have opted to change their features in attempt to meet the cultural standards of beauty, as
well as their religious and/or social obligations. They modify and adorn their bodies as part of the part of complex process of
creating and re-creating their personal and social identity to be accepted by society and to be able to accept themselves. This
includes body painting, tattooing, jewelries and adornments. Youth in present time are too conscious of their physical attributes
that they are not confident to face the day without make-up.
As our physical self, dictates how we act in front of other people it also defines how we will manage our self-esteem.
Yet, this self-esteem is vital on how we form positive and healthy relationships with people around us. We have different kinds
of self-esteem:
• The Inflated Self-Esteem - this people hold high regards of themselves. Better than the other to the point of under estimating
them)
• High Self-Esteem – this is a positive self-esteem, which makes the person be satisfied of themselves.
• Low Self-Esteem – this person does not value themselves and do not trust their possibilities.
Most of the times, this self-esteem is defined by what physical attributes they have. Beauty as define by the society,
culture or traditions, is what matter to the person.

Guided Practice
TASK NO.2:
WHAT DOES HE SAY?
Directions: Fill in the appropriate key terms to complete the diagram below. Then using the guide questions below, discuss
your diagram and make a video to be posted in our e-classroom.
WILLIAM JAMES
P
H
Y SIGMUND FREUD
S
I WILHEM
C REICHARGUED
A
L
ERIK ERIKSON
S
E
CARL JUNG
L
F
B.F. SKINNER
S
E
INFLATED
L
F
-
E HIGH
S
T
E
E LOW
M
Guide Questions:
1. What is physical self?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Explain the three types of self-esteem.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Performance
TASK NO.3:
A. Case Scenario
Kate is 21 years of age and has struggled with her weight all her life. She remembers back in primary school how the
kids used to call her “fatty” and would not want to play with her. The taunting continued throughout high school however it was
more subtle. Kate found it difficult to make friends and often found herself excluded from social events.
Although Kate’s mother is very supportive, the put downs continued at home. Kate’s father would say things like “why
don’t you go on a diet” or “what are you eating that for it’s only going to make you fatter”. Her elder brother was embarrassed to
be seen with her and to make things worse, he was quite athletic.
A few months back, things were starting to turn around for Kate. She began a relationship with a man (Mark), started
exercising and lost about 10 kilograms. Slowly she started feeling better about herself, however the relationship didn’t last and
consequently Kate’s self-esteem is now at its lowest. She blames herself for the break-up and believes that her boyfriend ended
the relationship because she’s fat. However, when questioned further about this Kate could not recall a time when Mark had ever
criticized her appearance, in fact he seemed to be very supportive.
At the moment Kate has such low self-esteem that she doesn’t even want to try to find a job, she thinks “who is ever
going to hire me”. Kate also described how her friends have stopped calling her because they say she is constantly criticizing
them. Kate stays at home all day and every time she looks in the mirror she thinks how ugly she is. It is important to note that
Kate is currently within the healthy weight range for her age and height.
GUIDE Questions:
1. What do you think influence Kate’s low self-esteem?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
2. If you are Kate’s friend, how will you help her? What does she need to do in order to overcome her low self-esteem?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. How important it is for Kate to overcome her low self-esteem?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lesson 2: Sexual Self

TASK NO. 1:
FILM VIEWING
A baby’s gender is determined at conception, and the different genitals of male

and female fetuses develop from the same tissues in the embryo.
Click the link below for the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtwYPeBSRg
§ Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics and the Human Reproductive System

Soon after the fertilization of an egg, the development of the reproductive system begins. For example, approximately
one month after conception primordial gonads also begin to develop. Rapid reproductive development happens inside the
mother’s womb; but when the child is born until he/she reaches puberty, there is little change in the reproductive system.
§ Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

The female sex is considered the “fundamental” sex because if a particular chemical prompting is absent, all fertilized
eggs will develop into females. For a fertilized egg to become male, a cascade of chemical reactions must be present initiated
by a single gene in the male Y chromosome called the SRY (Sex-determining Region of the Y chromosome). Females do not
have any Y chromosome; hence, they do not have the SRY gene (Lumen Learning Courses, WEB).
Both the male and female embryos have the same group of cells that will potentially develop into male or female
gonads or sex glands. However, the presence of the SRY gene initiates the development of the testes while suppressing the
vital genes for female development.
§ Further Sexual Development Occurs at Puberty

Puberty is the stage of development at which individuals become sexually mature. The outcome of puberty is different
for boys and girls, but the hormonal process is similar. Moreover, though the timing of these changes varies for every individual,
the sequence of changes for boys and girls is predictable, resulting in adult physical characteristics and the capacity to
reproduce.
Puberty can be separated into five stages. The characteristics for each stage vary for girls and boys.

STAGES PUBERTY STAGES IN GIRLS PUBERTY STAGES IN BOYS
1 Approximately between the ages 8 and 11: Approximately between the ages 9 and 12:
The ovaries enlarge and hormone production No visible signs of development occur; but internally, male
starts, but external development is not yet hormones become a lot more active. Sometimes a growth
visible. spurt begins at this time.
2 Approximately between the ages 8 and 14: Approximately between ages 9 and 15:
The first external sign of puberty is usually breast Height increases, and the shape of the body changes.
development.
Muscle tissue and fat development at this time.
At first breast buds development. The nipples will
be tender and elevated.
The aureole, the dark skin around the nipple, darkens and
The area around the nipple (the aureole) will increases in size.
increase in size.
The testicles and scrotum grow, but the penis probably
The first stage of pubic hair may also be present does not.
at this time. It may be course and curly or fine
and straight.
A little bit of pubic hair begins to grow at the base of the
Height and weight increase at this time. The penis.
body gets rounder and curvier.
3 Approximately between the ages 9 and 15: Approximately between the ages 11 and 16:
Breast growth continues, and pubic hair gets The penis starts to grow during this stage. It tends to grow
coarser and darker. in length rather than width.
During this stage, whitish discharge form the Pubic hair is getting darker and coarser and spreading to
vagina may be present. where the legs meet the torso.
For some girls, the first menstrual period begins Also, boys continue to grow in height, and even their faces
at this time. begin to appear more mature.
The shoulders broaden, making the hips look smaller.
Muscle tissue increases, and the voice starts to change

and deepen.
Finally, facial hair begins to develop on the upper lip.

4 Approximately between the ages 10 to 16: Approximately between the ages 11 to 17:
Some girls notice that their aureoles get even At this time, the penis starts to grow in width, too.
darker and separate into a little mound rising
above the rest of the breast. The testicles and scrotum also continue to grow. Hair may
begin to grow on the anus.
Pubic hair may begin to have a more adult
triangular pattern of growth. The texture of the penis becomes more adult-looking.
Underarm and facial hair increases as well.
If it did not happen in Stage 3, menarche (first
menstruation) should start now. The first fertile ejaculations typically appear at
approximately 15 years of age, but this age can vary widely
Ovulation may start now, too. But it will not across individual boys.
necessarily occur on a regular basis. (It is
possible to have regular periods even if ovulation Skin gets oilier, and the voice continues to deepen.
does not occur every month.)
5 Approximately between the ages 12 to 19: Approximately between the ages 14 to 18:
This is the final stage of development. Full height Boys reach their full adult height.
is reached, and young women are ovulating
regularly. Pubic hair and the genitals look like an adult man’s do.
Pubic hair is filled in, and the breasts are At this point, too, shaving is a necessity.
developed fully for the body.
Some young men continue to grow past this point, even to
their twenties.
Source: http://www.healthofchildren.com/P/Pubery.html
§ What are the erogenous zones of the body?

The term erogenous zones was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s to describe areas of the body that are highly
sensitive to stimuli and are often (but not always) sexually exciting. In this context, “highly sensitive” means these areas of the
body have a high number of sensory receptors or nerve endings that react to stimuli. These are places where a person is
generally more sensitive to both pain and pleasure than in other areas of the body. Professionals usually discuss sensuality in
terms of the complex stimuli and association that give rise to an appreciative response.
The skin
The skin serves as the primary erotic stimulus. Two types of erogenous zones exist in the skin (Winkelmann, 2014):
1. Nonspecific type
a. It is similar to any other portion of the usual haired skin.
b. The nerves supplying it are composed of the usual density of dermal-nerve networks and hair-follicle networks.
c. The learned and anticipated pleasure sensations when a stimulus is presented in these regions produce the amplified
sensation.
d. The pleasurable sensation felt from these regions is simply an exaggerated form of tickle.
e. Examples of this type of skin are the sides and back of the neck, the axilla (armpit, underarm) and the sides of the
thorax (chest).
2. Specific type
a. It is found in the mucocutaneous regions of the body or those regions made both of mucous membrane and of
cutaneous skin.
b. These regions favour acute perception.
c. These specific sites of acute sensation are the genital regions, including the prepuce, penis, the female external
genitalia (vulva), the perianal skin, lips, and nipples.
The prepuce is the retractable fold of skin covering the tips of the penis.
Nontechnical name: foreskin. It is also a similar fold of covering the tip of the
clitoris (Collins English Dictionary).
The penis is a male erectile organ of copulation by which urine and semen
are discharged from the body (Splendorio & Reichel, 2014).

Female external genitalia (vulva) include:
• The mons pubis
• The clitoris. A female sexual organ that is small, sensitive, and located in front
of the opening of the vagina.
• The labia minora and labia majora are fleshy lips around the vagina. The labia
majora are larger outer folds of the vulva. The labia minora also known as
the inner labia, inner lips, vaginal lips or nymphae are two flaps of skin on
either side of the human vaginal opening in the vulva situated between the
labia majora.
• Vaginal introitus is the opening that leads to the vaginal canal.
• The hymen is a membrane that surrounds or partially covers the external vaginal opening.
(Human Reproductive Biology, 2012)
Perianal skin refers to the area of the body surrounding the anus, and in particular, the
skin. The perianal skin is very sensitive. It is susceptible to injury and damage.
The lips are soft, movable, and serve as the opening for food intake and in the
articulation of sound and speech. Human lips are designed to be perceived by touch,
and can be erogenous zone when used in kissing and any acts of intimacy.
Nipples are the raised region of tissue on the surface of the breast. A recent study found
that the sensation form the nipples travels to the same part of the brain as sensations
from vagina, clitoris, and cervix (Pappas, 2012).
Bear in mind though that not only is individual sensitivity different (what feels great for you or one person does not mean others
will like it, too) but how your brain interprets what is happening with the given part of the body influences your sexual response
as well. For example, even if a particular part of the body is packed with sensory nerve receptors, stimulation of this part may feel
unpleasant if you had negative experiences or you have negative ideas about that given part of the body.
§ Understanding the Human Sexual Response

What is the sexual response cycle? The sexual response cycle refers to the sequence of physical and emotional
occurrences when the person is participating in a sexually stimulating activity, such as intercourse or masturbation (Cleveland
Clinic, WEB).
Knowing how the body responds during each phase of the cycle can help enhance a couple’s sexual relationship, and it
can also help address the cause of sexual dysfunction.
In general, both men and women experience these phases. However, they do not experience it at the same time. For
example, it is unlikely that a couple will orgasm simultaneously. Moreover, the intensity of the sensation and the time spent in
each phase also vary from person to person.
In the late 1950s, William Masters and Virginia Johnson pioneered research to understand human sexual response,
dysfunction, and disorders. Masters and Johnson have been widely recognized for their contributions to sexual, psychological,
and psychiatric research, particularly for their theory of a four-stage model of sexual response (also known as the human sexual
response cycle).

Four Phases of the Human Sexual Response
PHASES GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Phase 1: • Muscle tension increases.
Excitement • Heart rate quickens, and breathing is accelerated.
• Skin may become flushed (blotches or redness appear on the chest and back.
• Nipples become hardened or erect.
• Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in swelling of the woman’s clitoris and labia minora (inner
lips), and erection of the man’s penis.
• Vaginal lubrication begins.
• The woman’s breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell.
• The man’s testicles swell, his scrotum tightens, and he begins secreting a lubricating liquid.
Phase 2: • The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified.
Plateau • The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls turn to a dark purple.
• The woman’s clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to touch) and retracts under the clitoral
hood to avoid direct stimulation from the penis.
• The man’s testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum.
• Breathing, heart rate and blood pressure continue to increase.
• Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face, and hands.
• Tension in the muscles increases.
Phase 3: This phase is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases and generally lasts only
Climax a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include the following:
• Involuntary muscle contractions begin.
• Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of oxygen.
• Muscles in the feet spasm.
• There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.
• In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes rhythmic contractions.
• In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the ejaculation of semen.
• A rash or “sex flush” may appear over the entire body.
Phase 4: During this phase, the body slowly returns to its normal functioning level. The swelled and erect body parts
Resolution return to their previous size and color. This phase is marked by a general sense of well-being; intimacy is
enhanced; and often, fatigue sets in.
With further sexual stimulation, some women can return to the orgasm phase. This allows them to experience
multiple orgasms. Men, on the other hand, need recovery time after orgasm. This is called refractory period.
How long a man needs a refractory period varies among men and his age.
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/the-sexual-response-cycle
§ Sex and the Brain. What parts are involved?

Primarily, sex is the process of combining male and female genes to form an offspring. However, complex systems of
behavior have evolved the sexual process form its primary purpose of reproduction to motivation and rewards circuit that root
sexual behaviors.
Ultimately, the largest sex organ controlling the biological urges, mental process, as well as the emotional and physical
responses to sex, is the brain.

§ Roles of the brain in sexual activity:
1. The brain is responsible for translating the nerve impulses sensed by the skin into pleasurable sensations.
2. It controls the nerves and muscles used in sexual activities.
3. Sexual thoughts and fantasies are theorized to lie in the cerebral cortex, the same area used for thinking and reasoning.
4. Emotions and feelings (which are important for sexual behavior) are believed to originate in the limbic system.
5. The brain releases the hormones considered as the physiological origin of sexual desire.
§ Roles of hormones in sexual activity:

The hypothalamus is the most important part of the brain for sexual functioning. This small area at the base of the brain
has several groups of nerve-cell bodies that receive input from the limbic system. One reason the hypothalamus is important in
human sexual activity is its relation to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secretes the hormones produced in the
hypothalamus.
1. Oxytocin. It is known as the “love hormone” and believed to be involved in your desire to maintain close relationships. It
is released during sexual intercourse when orgasm is achieved.
2. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is responsible for ovulation in females. The National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences in Durham, N.C., discovered that sexual activity was more frequent during a woman’s fertile time.
3. Luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH is crucial in regulating the testes in men and ovaries in women. In men, the LH
stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. In males, testosterone appears to be a major contributing factor to sexual
motivation.
4. Vasopressin. Vasopressin is involved in the male arousal phase. The increase of vasopressin during erectile response
is believed to be directly associated with increased motivation to engage in sexual behavior.
5. Estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone typically regulate motivation to engage in sexual behavior for
females, with estrogen increasing motivation and progesterone decreasing it.
Source: Boundless Psychology, courses.lumenlearning.com
§ Understanding the Chemistry of Lust, Love, and Attachment

Falling in love can be beautifully wild experience. It is rush of longing, passion, and euphoria. Fast forward a few years,
and the excitement would have died down (though the levels vary for every couple). For couples who remain together through
the years, the rush would have been replaced by a warm, comfortable, and nurturing feeling.
Each stage of this cycle can actually be explained by your brain chemistry – the neurotransmitters that get stimulated to
release hormones throughout your body.
Anthropologist Helen Fisher of Rutgers University proposed three stages of falling in love; and for each stage, a different
set of chemicals run the show. The three stages of falling in love are:
1. Lust (erotic passion). This stage is marked by physical attraction. You want to seduce and be seduced by your object of
affection. Lust is driven by testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Lust, however, will not guarantee that the couple will
fall in love in any way lasting way.
2. Attraction (romantic passion). At this stage, you begin to crave for your partner’s presence. You feel excitement and energetic
as you fantasize about the things you could do together as a couple. Three chemicals trigger this feeling: norepinephrine,
dopamine, and serotonin.
Norepinephrine – responsible for the extra surge of energy and triggers increased heart rate, loss of appetite, as well
as the desire to sleep. Your body is in a more alert state and is for action.

Dopamine – associated with motivated and goal-oriented behavior. It makes you pursue you object of affection. It creates
a sense of novelty, where the person seems exciting, special, or unique that you want to tell the world about him or her
admirable qualities.
Serotonin – thought to cause obsessive thinking. Low levels of serotonin are said to be present in people with obsessive-
compulsive behavior (OCD). Meanwhile, a study found that those who expressed they were in love and people with OCD
both had less serotonin transporter in their blood compared to those who did not express they were in love and do not
have OCD as well.
3. Attachment (commitment).
Source: Psychology Today, 2017
§ Psychological aspect of sexual desire

Sexual desire is typically viewed as an interest in sexual objects or activities. More precisely, it is the subjective feeling
of wanting to engage in sex. Sexual desire is sometimes, but not always, accompanied by genital arousal (penile erection in men
and vaginal lubrication in women). Sexual desire can be triggered by a large variety of cues and situations, including private
thoughts, feelings, and fantasies, erotic materials (such as books, movies, photographs), and variety of erotic environments,
situations, or social interactions.
Sexual desire is often confused with sex drive, but these are fundamentally different constructs. Sex drive represents a
basic, biologically mediated motivation to seek sexual activity or sexual gratification. In contrast, sexual desire represents a more
complex psychological experience that is not dependent on hormonal factors.
However, developmental research suggested that the capacity to experience sexual desire though not hormone-
dependent, are probably still facilitated by hormones. For example, because of adrenal gland development and the subsequent
secretion of adrenal hormones, some 9-year old children many experience sexual desire. Researchers noted that despite this
development, children who experienced such desires generally are not motivated to seek sexual gratification or activity. Such
motivation typically develops after 12 years old when the puberty produces notable surges in levels of gonadal hormones. Thus,
physiological arousal is not a necessary element of sexual desire and should not be considered a more valid marker of sexual
desire than individual reported feelings.
§ Gender differences on sexual desire

Factors that influence the notable gender difference on sexual desire include:
• Culture;
• Social environment; and even
• Political situations.
One of the most notable gender differences on sexual desire is that women place great emphasis on interpersonal relationships
as part of the experience. Males, on the other hand, enjoy a more casual sexual behavior.
Alternatively, some researchers attributed that because of the different evolutionary pressures men and women face through
time, early human females practiced selective mating with carefully chosen males to achieve a maximum reproductive success,
while no such pressure was evident on men. This may have favoured the evolution of stronger sexual desire in men than in
women.
Source: psychology.iresearchne.com©2017
§ Psychological mechanisms of sexual behavior motivation

Much of what we know about the physiological mechanisms that underlie sexual behavior and motivation comes from
animal research. The hypothalamus plays an important role in motivated behaviors, and sex is no exception. Laboratory rats that
were physiologically incapable of coupling were observed to nevertheless seek receptive females. This finding suggested that
the ability to engage in sexual behavior and the motivation to do so may be mediated by different systems in the brain.
Animal research suggests that limbic system structures, such as the amygdala and nucleusaccumbens, are especially
important for sexual motivation.
Amygdala is the integrative center for emotions, emotional behavior, and motivation.
Nucleusaccumbens (also referred to as the pleasure center) plays a role in motivation and cognitive processing of
aversion. It has a significant role in response to reward and reinforcing effects, translating emotional stimulus into behaviors.
§ The Diversity of Sexual Behavior

Like food, sex is an important part of our lives. Form an evolutionary perspective, the reason is obvious—perpetuation of
the species. Sexual behavior in humans, however, involves much more than reproduction.
Sexual orientation is defined as an individual’s general sexual disposition toward partners of the same sex, the opposite
sex, or both sexes. There has been much interest in sexual desire as an index of sexual orientation. Historically, the most
important indicator of same-sex (i.e., gay, lesbian, or bisexual) orientation was same-sex sexual desire. Contemporary scientific
studies, however, found that same-sex desire and sexual orientation are more complicated than previously thought.
Past studies thought that gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals were the only people who ever experienced same-sex
sexual desire. It was found though that completely heterosexual persons periodically experience same-sex sexual desires, even
if they have little motivation to act on those desires. It also did not appear to indicate that a completely heterosexual individual will
eventually want to pursue same-sex sexual behavior or will eventually consider himself or herself lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
Thus, researchers now generally believe that lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are characterized by persistent and
intense experiences of same-sex desire that are stable over time.
§ Gender Identity
Many people fuse sexual orientation with gender identity into one group because of stereotypical attitudes that exist about
homosexuality. In reality, although these two are related, they are actually different issues. Sexual orientation is a person’s
emotional and erotic attraction toward another individual. On the other hand, gender identity refers to one’s sense of being male
or female. Generally, our gender identities correspond to our chromosomal and phenotypic sex, but this is not always the case.
§ What is LGBTQ+?
LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term for a wide spectrum of gender identities, sexual orientations, and romantic orientations.
• L stands for lesbian. These are females who are exclusively attracted to women.
• G stands for gay. This can refer to males who are exclusively attracted to any other males. It can refer to anyone who is
attracted to his or her same gender.
• B stands for bisexual or someone who is sexually/romantically attracted to both men and women.
• T or trans*/Transgender is an umbrella term for people who do not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth. Trans
woman is an identity label adapted by male to female trans people to signify that they identify themselves as women. A trans
man is an identity label adapted by female to male trans people signify that they identify themselves as men.
• Q stands for queer. It is a useful term for those who are questioning their identities and are unsure about using more specific
terms, or those who simply do not wish to label themselves and prefer to use a broader umbrella term.
• + The plus is there to signify that many identities are not explicitly represented by letters. This includes (but not limited) to
intersex or people who are born with a mix of male and female biological traits that can make it hard for doctors to assign
them a male or female sex; and asexual or a person who is not interested in or does not desire sexual activity.
Regardless of how sexual orientation is determined, there is preliminary empirical research that strongly suggests sexual
orientation is not a choice. Rather, there is a relatively stable characteristic of a person that cannot be changed. Just as the
majority of the heterosexual people do not choose to be attracted to the opposite sex, the large majority of the LGBTQ+ community
has to deal with is whether to be open about their orientation.
§ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues
There is a lot more to being a male, female, or any gender than the sex assigned at birth. Your biological or assigned
sex does not always tell your complete story.
Sex is a label – male or female – that you’re assigned by a doctor at birth based on the genitals you’re born with and the
chromosomes you have. It goes on your birth certificate.
Gender is a defined Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as the “relations between men and women,
both perceptual and material. Gender is not determined biologically, as a result of sexual characteristics of either women or men,
but is constructed socially. It is a central organizing principle of societies, and often governs the process of production and
reproduction, consumption and distribution” (FAO, 1997).
According to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, gender identity is one’s innermost concept of self as
male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One’s gender
identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. On the other hand, sexual orientation is an inherent or
immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to some other people. This attraction can be for someone from the
same sex or someone from the opposite sex.
§ Sociocultural Factors
Sociocultural factors influence the various issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. For example, the
Philippines and most of its Southeast Asian neighbors view heterosexuality as the norm. however, there are countries that are
culturally not as restrictive with their human sexual/romantic relationship attitudes. For example, in New Guinea, young boys are
expected to engage in sexual behavior with any other boys for a given period because it is believed that doing so is necessary
for these boys to become men (Baldwin & Baldwin, 1989). In the Philippines, an individual is classified as either male or female
only. However, Thailand recognizes more than two categories –male , female, and kathoey. A kathoey is an individual who would
be described as transgender in western culture (Tangmunkongvorakul, Banwell, Carmicheal, Utomo, & Sleigh, 2010).
§ Family Influences
There are also influences that asserted how children’s upbringing and social environment influences their developing
gender identities. In summary, this work found that children’s interests, preferences, behaviors, and overall self-concept are
strongly influenced by parental and authority figure teachings regarding sexual stereotypes. thus, children whose parents adhere
to strict gender-stereotyped roles are, in general, more likely to take on those roles themselves as adults than are peers whose
parents provided less stereotyped, more neutral models of behaving.
§ Urban Setting
Another research also discovered that homosexuality positively correlated with urbanization. The correlation though was
more substantial in men than in women. The study surmised that large cities seem to provide a friendlier environment for same-
gender interest to develop and be expressed (Laumann, et al., 1994) than in rural areas. These cities host venues or areas where
people with specific sexual orientations socialize and become a support group. The number of gays and lesbians residing in large
cities may function protectively to generate resiliency among the LGBTQ+ community in the face of stigmatization, discrimination,
and harassment, thus, potentially resulting in positive consequences for their well-being.
On the other hand, existing literature highlighted that the challenges of rural living for LGBTQ+ people are:
• High level of intolerance;
• Limited social and institutional supports; and
• Higher incidence of social isolation

There are studies that also countered the popular notion of urban versus rural living for the LGBTQ+ -- that is, rural life
is actually more beneficial to their well-being than urban life. However, these studies are newer and less supported than existing
literature on LGBTQ+ life, challenges, and issues.
• History of Sexual Abuse

Previous published studies claimed that abused adolescents, particularly those victimized by males, are more likely to
become homosexual or bisexual in adulthood. These studies were criticized for being non-clinical and unreliable. Some other
findings suggested no significant relationship that child abuse of same-sex sexual orientation in adulthood (Wilson and Wisdom,
2009).
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

What are STDs? STD stands for sexually transmitted diseases. It is also known as STI or sexually transmitted infection.
In general, STD is a disease or infection acquired through sexual contact where the organism that cause STD are passed on
from person to person in blood, semen, and vaginal or any other bodily fluids.
STD can also be transmitted non-sexually such as:
• Mother to infant during pregnancy
• Blood transfusion; and
• People sharing needles for injection
It is possible to contract sexually transmitted disease from people who seem perfectly healthy, and who may not even be
aware of the infection. STDs do not always cause symptoms, which is one of the reasons experts prefer term “sexually transmitted
infections” to “sexually transmitted diseases.”
The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 aka Republic Act No 10354
The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10354), informally known as the
Republic Health Law or RH Law, is a law in the Philippines that guarantees access to contraceptive methods, such as fertility
control, sexual education, and maternal care. Passage of the legislation was controversial and highly divisive. Experts, academics,
religious institutions, and major political figures declared support or opposition while it was just a bill. After the (then)RH Bill was
passed into law, the Supreme Court delayed its implementation in response to challenges. On April 8, 2014, the Court ruled that
the law was “not unconstitutional” but struck down eight provisions partially or in full.
• Goals, Objectives, and Strategies of Republic Health Law
Specific objectives:
• Reduce by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio.
• Reduce by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate.
• To have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse, the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Regional objectives:
• Improve access to the full range of affordable, equitable, and high-quality family planning and reproductive health services
to increase contraceptive use rate and reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
• Making pregnancies safer.
• Support countries and areas in developing evidence-based policies and strategies for the reduction of maternal and
newborn mortality.
• Improve access to the full range of affordable, equitable, and high-quality family planning and reproductive health services
to increase contraceptive use rate and reduce unwanted pregnancies.
• Improve the health and nutrition status of women of all ages, especially pregnant and nursing women.
• Gender, women and health;
• Integrate gender and rights considerations into health policy and programs, especially into reproductive health and
maternal care.
• Improve the health and nutrition status of women of all ages.
• Gender, women and health:
• Integrate gender and rights considerations into health policy and programs, especially into reproductive health and
maternal care.
• Improve the health and nutrition status of women of all ages.
Source: WHO Western Pacific Region, WPRO, 2017
§ Advantages and Disadvantages of Family Planning

Family panning allows both men and women to make informed choices on when and if they decide to have children.
Knowing both the advantages and disadvantages of family planning methods may help you decide what option is right for you.
Method of Contraception:
• Long-acting reversible contraception, such as the implant or intra uterine device (IUD)
• Hormonal contraception, such as birth control pill and the birth control injection
• Barrier methods, such as condoms
• Emergency contraception
• Fertility awareness
• Permanent contraception, such as vasectomy or tubal ligation
Benefits of family planning/contraception according to the WHO

• Prevent pregnancy-related health risks in women
• Reduce infant mortality
• Help prevent HIV/AIDS
• Empower people and enhance education
• Reduce adolescent pregnancies
• Slow population growth
Benefits of Using Family Planning According to DOH

Family planning provides many benefits to mother, children, father, and the family.
Mother
• Enables her to regain her health after delivery
• Gives enough time for her family and opportunity to love and provide attention to her husband and children
• Gives more time for her family and own personal and advancement
• When suffering from an illness, gives enough time for treatment and recovery
Children
• Healthy mothers produce healthy children
• Will get all the attention, security, love, and care they deserve
Father
• Lightens the burden and responsibility in supporting his family
• Enables him to give his children their basic needs (food, shelter, education, and better future)
• Gives him time for his family and own personal advancement
• When suffering from an illness, gives enough time for treatment and recovery

Disadvantages
• Birth control health risks
Some forms of birth control pose health concerns for women and men, such as allergies to spermicides or latex.
For some women, oral contraceptives can lead to hair loss and weight gain, and the use of diaphragms can lead to
urinary tract infections.
• Possibility of pregnancy
Family planning methods are not one hundred percent reliable. Other than abstinence, there is no method control
method (including the natural rhythm method) that is completely effective. Couples who are engaging in sexual activity
should always consider the possibility of unexpected pregnancy.
• Pregnancy after birth control

All bodies are different. There is no way to know how long it will take a woman to conceive, and that is true
whether you have been using birth control or not. It is possible to get pregnant almost right away after stopping hormonal
contraceptives, such as birth control pills or after having the IUD removed. On the other hand, it might take months for
ovulation and the menstrual period to return to normal. How long the menstrual period takes to return to its normal cycle is
entirely individual, and has nothing to do with how long the woman has been using birth control. The most important thing
to know about stopping your preferred method of birth control is that the ovulation can return immediately. Hence, a woman
can get pregnant right away.
§ The Natural Family Planning Method

Natural family planning (NFP) is the method that uses the body’s natural physiological changes and symptoms to identify
the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. Such methods are also known as fertility-based awareness methods.
An egg is released from one of the woman’s ovaries (ovulation) every once a month. It can stay alive in the uterus for
about 24 hours. Man can always produce sperm cells, and these can stay in the female reproductive system for about two to five
days after being deposited in the vagina during sexual intercourse. This means women have certain time during their cycle when
they unlikely to conceive, whereas men have no “safe period”.
Natural family planning methods are generally the preferred contraceptive method for women who do not wish to use
artificial methods of contraception for reasons of religion, or who, due to rumors and myths, and fears to other methods.
However, natural family planning methods are unreliable in preventing unwanted pregnancy. It also takes time to practice
and use NFP properly, and this adds to its unreliability. Moreover, natural family planning methods do not protect a person against
sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The effectiveness of any method of natural family planning varies from couple to couple. All these methods become less
effective if couples do not follow the method carefully.
Types of natural family planning methods

1. Periodic abstinence (fertility awareness method)
2. Use of breastfeeding or lactationalmenorrhoea method (LAM)
3. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal or pulling out) method
§ Periodic Abstinence (Fertility Awareness ) Methods

During the menstrual cycle, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone cause some observable effects.
Observation of these changes provides a basis for periodic abstinence methods. There three common techniques used in periodic
abstinence methods, namely:
a. Rhythm (calendar) method;
b. Basal temperature (BBT) monitoring; and
c. Cervical mucus (ovulation) method.
With rhythm (calendar) method, the couple tracks the woman’s menstrual history to predict she will ovulate. This helps
the couple determine when they will most likely conceive. Basal body temperature monitoring is a contraceptive method that
relies on monitoring a woman’s basal body temperature on a daily basis. A woman’s body temperature changes throughout the
menstrual cycle and changes in body temperature coincide with hormonal changes. This indicates fertile and non-fertile stages
of the cycle. By monitoring temperature every day, a woman can determine the periods of her menstrual cycle when she is, or is
not, fertile. The cervical mucus (ovulation) method, is also called Billing’s method as his was devised by John and Evelyn
Billings in the 1960s, involves examining the color and viscosity of the cervical mucus to discover when ovulation is occurring.
§ Lactation Amenorrhea Method

Through exclusive breastfeeding, the woman is able to suppress ovulation. This method is called lactation amenorrhea
method. However, if the infant were not exclusively breastfed, this method would be an effective birth control method. Generally,
after three months of exclusive breastfeeding, a woman must choose another method of contraception
§ Coitus Interuptus
This is one of the oldest methods of contraception. The couple proceeds with coitus; however, the man must release his
sperm from outside of the vagina. Hence, he must withdraw his penis the moment he ejaculates. This method is only 75%
effective because pre-ejaculation fluid that contains a few spermatozoa may cause fertilization.
§ Hormonal Contraception/ Artificial Family Planning

Hormonal contraceptives are an effective family planning method that manipulates the hormones that directly affect the
normal menstrual cycle so that ovulation will not occur.
§ Oral Contraceptives
It is also known as the pill. Oral contraceptives contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen suppresses
ovulation while progesterone decreases the permeability of the cervical mucus to limit the sperm’s access to the ova.
§ Transdermal Contraceptive Patch

A transdermal patch is medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose of medication though
the skin and into the bloodstream. In this case, a transdermal contraceptive patch has a combination of both estrogen and
progesterone released into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
§ Vaginal Ring
It is a birth control ring inserted into the vagina and slowly releases hormones through the vaginal wall into the
bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
Source: abc.net.au Source: jodrugs.com Source: steptohealth.com
Pictures (from left to right): Oral contraceptives, Vaginal ring, Subdermal implants

§ Subdermal Implants
Subdermal contraceptive implants involve the delivery of a steroid progestin from polymer capsules or rods placed under
the skin. The hormones diffuse out slowly at a stable rate, providing contraceptive effectiveness for 1-5 years.
§ Hormonal Injections
It is a contraceptive injection given once every three months. It typically suppresses ovulation, keeping the ovaries from
releasing an egg. Hormonal Injections also thickens cervical mucus to keep the sperm from reaching the egg.
§ Intrauterine Device
An IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device wrapped in copper or contains hormones. A doctor inserts the IUD into the
uterus. IUD prevents fertilization of the egg by damaging or killing the sperm. It makes the mucus in the cervix thick and sticky,
so sperm cannot get through the uterus. It also keeps the lining of the uterus (endometrium) from growing very thick making
the lining a poor place for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
§ Chemical Barriers
Chemical barriers, such as spermicides, vaginal gels and creams, and glycerine films are also used to cause the
death of sperms before they can enter the cervix. It lowers the pH level of the vagina, so it will not become conducive for the
sperm. However, these chemical barriers cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections.
§ Diaphragm
Diaphragms are dome-shaped barrier methods of contraception that block sperms from entering the uterus. They are
made of latex (rubber) and formed like a shallow cup. It is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix.
Source: www.std-gov.org
Source: netdoctor.co.uk
Source: Eastsidegynecology.com
Pictures (from left to right): Hormonal injection, intrauterine device, diaphragm

Pictures Below (from left to right): cervical cap, male condoms, female condoms
Source: kidshealth.org Source: commons.wikimedi.org Source: mayoclinic.org

§ Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a silicone cup inserted in the vagina to cove the cervix and keep sperm out of the uterus. Spermicide is
added to the cervical cap to kill any sperm that may get inside the protective barrier. However, this is not a widely used method
and few health care providers recommend this type of contraception. The most common side effect form using a cervical cap
is vaginal irritation. Some women also experience an increase in the number of bladder infections.
§ Male Condoms
The male condom is a latex or synthetic rubber sheath placed on the erect penis before vaginal penetration to trap the
sperm during ejaculation. Condoms can prevent STDs.
§ Female Condoms
It is a thin pouch inserted into the vagina before sex serving as protective barrier to prevent pregnancy and protection
form sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Female condoms create barrier that prevents bodily fluids and semen from
entering the vagina.
§ Surgical Methods
One of the most effective control methods is the surgical method. This method ensures contraception in inhibited
permanently after surgery.
• Vasectomy. A surgical operation wherein the tube that carries the sperm to a man’s penis is cut and is permanently cut.
It is a permanent male contraception method. This procedure preserves ejaculation and does not cause impotence or
erectile dysfunction since the vasectomy does not involve anything in the production of testosterone.
• Tubal Ligation. Sterilization involving severing and tying the fallopian tubes. A tubal ligation disrupts the movement of
the egg to the uterus for fertilization and blocks sperm from traveling up the fallopian tubes to the egg. A tubal ligation
does not affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. A tubal ligation can be done at any time, including after normal childbirth or
a C-section. It is possible to reverse a tubal ligation – but reversal requires major surgery and is not always effective.
Source: ataglanceseries.com Source: stlukeskc.org
Pictures (from left to right): Vasectomy, tubal ligation

Guided Practice
TASK NO. 2:
In your journal, write a short entry on the questions given below.

Ø For girls: How was your experience when you had your menarche or first menstruation? Were you afraid? How did you
cope with your feeling of awkwardness/negativity, especially since it was accompanied by bodily changes?
Ø For boys: How was your experience when you had your nocturnal emission? How did you cope with your feeling of
awkwardness/negativity, especially since it was accompanied by bodily changes?
Performance
TASK NO. 3:
Identify what is being asked in each statement below. Write your answer before each number.
1. It is the stage of development when individuals become sexually mature.
2. These areas of the body are highly sensitive to stimuli and are often sexually exciting.
3. It refers to the sequence of physical and emotional occurrences when the person is participating
in a sexually stimulating activity.
4. It is the most important part of the brain for sexual functioning.
5. It is also known as the “love hormone” and believed to be involved in our desire to maintain
close relationships.
6. This is a stage that involves the desire to have lasting commitment with your significant other.
7. It is a person’s emotional and erotic attraction toward another individual.
8. It refers to one’s sense of being male or female.
9. This is a method which uses the body’s natural physiological changes and symptoms to identify
the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle.
10. It refers to a method that manipulates the hormones which directly affect the normal menstrual
cycle so that ovulation will not occur.

Lesson 3: Spiritual Self
Philosophy started the moment humans started to wonder (with just about anything). For the longest time, humans have
pondered on questions, like “Why do we die? Why bad things happen to good people? Do we really have free will? Is the future
determined? Does God exist?”
As a college student, it is vital that you develop a healthy sense of wonder. Part of this curiosity should be about the
range of human beliefs. It is important, too, that you keep an open mind as you seek to understand belief systems that may not
be the same as yours.
TASK NO. 1:
Write a short comment on thought presented below. Relate it with the aspect of life of spirituality. Include your reasons why
you agree or disagree of what the author says.
“Our culture places a very high premium on self-

expression, but is relatively disinterested in producing
“selves” that are worth expressing.”
Matthew Kelly, Rediscover Catholicism, p.37.
§ Spiritual Versus Religious

Spiritual is defined as “relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” Religion
and spirituality are both paths to God; however, they differ in their approaches. A religious person is someone who believes in a
god or group of gods and consciously adheres to the beliefs of his/her religion. A spiritual person, on the other hand, places little
importance on beliefs and traditions and is more concerned with growing and experiencing the Divine.
Quite often, religion takes the approach of fear. It emphasizes sin, guilt, and the concept of a punishing God. The spiritual
approach to God is through the path of love. This is a love where there is no condemnation and judgment, but where there is
mercy and acceptance.
Often, religion talks of God who is high up in the heavens. At times, God is depicted as separate from humanity, who is
impartial but impersonal. Spirituality believes in God who is omnipresent and omniscient, someone who is a living presence in
our hearts.
Many religions feel their path is the only way to salvation and that other religions are wrong. Religious people strongly

feel the need to convert others to their faith. On the other hand, like the analogy, “different paths that lead to the same destination,”
spirituality feels all faiths are valid. Spirituality embraces all the world’s religions, but at the same time it is not constrained by any
religious dogmas or forms.
DEFINITION OF RELIGION
Why is spirituality important
Sense of meaninglessness and lack of purpose in life can be significant factors A. Nominal Definition
in causing anxiety, depression, and phobias; however, there is a growing body of (1) The term “religion” is said to
evidence indicating that spiritual practices are associated with better health and well- derive from “re-legere” i.e. to read
being. again, to treat carefully, to be
meticulous, conscientious.
Many spiritual traditions encourage participation in a community. Spiritual (2) Perhaps it derives from “re-
fellowship (such as attending church or meditation group) can be a source of social legare” i.e. to bind; we are tied to
support that may provide sense of belonging, security, and community. Strong God.
relationships have been proven to increase well-being and bolster life expectancy,
which is perhaps why one study found a strong association between church attendance B. Real Definition
and improved health, mood, and well-being. (1) Objective Religion: man’s
dependency to God, due to the
Contemplative practice is god for students like you. Contemplative practice can Divine acts of creation, conservation,
be broadly understood as a method to develop concentration, deepen understanding and concurrence. It is belief binding
and insight, and cultivate awareness and compassion. These practices can have a the spiritual nature of man to a
profound impact on students’ experiences both in college and beyond. Supernatural Being, as involving a
feeling of dependence and
Examples of contemplative practices: responsibility, together with the
1. Meditation -- mental exercise (such as focusing on one’s breathing or repeating a feelings and practices which naturally
mantra) for the purpose of reaching heightened level of spiritual awareness. It flow from such a belief.
can induce feelings of calm and clear-headedness, as well as improved (2) Subjective/Formal Religion: Man’s
concentration and attention. acknowledgment of God’s
sovereignty over him. It is any system
2. Prayer – a spiritual communion with God (or an object or worship) as in supplication, of faith and worship. It is an essential
thanksgiving, adoration, or confession. Prayers may elicit a relaxation part of a practical test of the spiritual
response, along with feelings of hope, gratitude, and compassion – all of which life.
have a positive effect on overall well-being. There are several types of prayers.
Many of which are rooted in the belief that there is a higher power that has Source: Bauzon, P.T. (2011) A
some level of influence over life. This belief can provide a sense of comfort and Comprehensive Handbook in Ethics
support in difficult times. A recent study found out that clinically-depressed of Moral Philosophy.
adults who believed their prayers were heard by God (or a concerned
presence) responded much better to treatment than those who did not believe. “It constantly amazes me that men
and women wander the earth
3. Yoga – a Hindu spiritual and ascetic disciple. In Hindu theistic philosophy, it teaches marvelling at the highest mountains,
the suppression of all mind and body activity so that the self may realize its the deepest ocean, the whitest sands,
distinction from the material world and attain liberation. In western culture, the most exotic islands, the most
yoga is a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes intriguing birds of the air and fish of the
meditation to promote physical and emotional well-being. sea – and all the time never stop to
marvel at themselves and realize their
4. Journaling – is another (but often overlooked) contemplative practice that can infinite potential as human beings.”
help you become more aware of your inner life and feel more connected to your
experience and the world around you. Studies show that writing during difficult Matthew Kelly
times may help you find meaning in life’s challenges and help you become more resilient in the face of obstacles.
Source: (Lin, Oxford, & Brantmeier, 2013)

§ The Practice of Religion: Belief in Supernatural Being and Power
The vast majority of the earth’s more than 7 billion people practice some form of
religion. The number of religions and spiritual traditions that the human population
practices is estimated at little 4,000. The reasons and theories of human’s having religion
are just as many (if not more).
Religion is defined as “the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling

power, especially a personal God or gods” (Oxford University Press, 2017). It is also a
“particular system of faith and worship” (University of Minnesota Human Rights Center,
2003, 2016). More than its belief and practices, religion is an experience. Religion,
however, may best be understood as a systematic “attribution of human characteristics or
behavior to a god, animal, or object” (read Anthropomorphism). One reason human Prayer can offer consolation even to
a child whose mother is a front liner
attribute human characteristics to some other “entities” is that the world is huge, of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ambiguous, and we need to interpret it the best possible way we can.
§ The Psychology Behind Religious Belief

A 1990 research conducted by Steven Reiss, professor emeritus of psychology at the Ohio State University, posited a
theory on why people are attracted to religion. Religion, he said, attracts so many followers because it satisfies all 16 basic
desires that humans share (The 16 Strivings for God, 2016).
According to Reiss, the 16 basic desires that humans share are:
1. Acceptance 7. Independence 13. Social Contract
2. Curiosity 8. Order 14. Status
3. Eating 9. Physical Activity 15. Tranquillity
4. Family 10. Power 16. Vengeance
5. Honor 11. Romance
6. Idealism 12. Saving
Reiss claimed that we all share the same 16 goals, but what makes us different is how much we value each one. For
example, in social contract, religion attracts both the introvert and extrovert. For extroverts, religion offers fellowship with others.
For introverts, religion encourages meditation, private retreats, and solitude.
Another example is that religion also finds ways to deal with vengeance. According to Reiss, while some other religions
preach a God of peace, there are also religions that preach holy wars.
Reiss added that all religious beliefs and practices are designed to meet these 16 desires. Religious beliefs provide
people with certain ways of thinking to help them cope with ultimate questions that cannot be explained in any other way.
The Four Dimensions of Religion

The incredible amount of variation between different religions makes it challenging to decide upon a concrete definition
of religion that implies to all of them. Sociologists noted four dimensions that seem to present in varying forms and intensities in
all types of religion (Dawson & Thiessen, 2014). These are:
1. Belief. Religious beliefs are a generalized system of ideas and values that shape how members of a religious group
come to understand the world around them. These beliefs are taught to followers by religious authorities, such as priests,
imams, or shamen, through formal creeds and doctrines, as well as more informal lessons learned through stories, songs,
and myths.
2. Ritual. Rituals are the repeated physical gestures or activities, such as prayers and mantras, used to reinforce religious
teachings, elicit spiritual feelings, and connect worshippers with a higher power (Little, 2016). A common type of ritual is
a rite of passage, which marks a person’s transition from one stage of life to another. Examples of rites of passage include
baptisms and weddings. From a psychological perspective, rituals play an important role in providing practitioners with
access to spiritual “powers” of various sorts. In relieving anxieties, religious rituals provide a basis of psychological
stability when people face uncertainty or chance.
3. Spiritual experience. A third common dimension of various religions is the promise of access to some form of unique
spiritual experience or feeling of immediate connection with a higher power. From this point of view, religion is not so
much about thinking a certain way (i.e., a formal belief system) as about feeling a certain way. Saint Thomas Aquinas is
often quoted to have said, “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is
possible” – summing up the experiential dimension of religion.
4. Unique social forms of community. The fourth common dimension of religion is creating unique social forms of
community. Emile Durkheim (1915-1964) emphasized that religious beliefs and practices “unite in one single community
called Church, all those who adhere to them.”
Social dimensions that religions share according to Dawson and Thiessen (2004):
• Religion gains credibility when agreed and shared by a group. It is easier to believe in something if others around you (whom
you respect) believe it as well.
• Religion provides an authority that deals specifically with social or moral issues, such as determining the best way to live life.
It provides a basis for ethics and proper behaviors, which establishes the normative basis of the community.
• Religion acts as a form of social control, and it supports the development of self-control, which are vital elements of a
functional society.
• Places of religious worship function as social hubs within communities, providing a source of entertainment, socialization,
and support.
RELIGIOUS CLASSIFICATION WHO/ WHAT IS DIVINE EXAMPLE

Polytheism Multiple gods Hinduism, Ancient Greeks, Romans
Monotheism Single god Judaism, Islam, Christianity
Atheism No deities Buddhism, Taoism
Animism Nonhuman beings (animals, plants, Indigenous nature worship, Shinto
natural world)
Source: https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontosociology2ndedition/chapter/chapter-15-religion/
The Major Religions
1. Judaism
2. Christianity
3. Islam
4. Buddhism
5. Buddhism
The Jewish Passover ritual prepares the development

of the Christian celebration of the Mass/Eucharist.

Judaism encompasses the religion, philosophy, and culture of the Jewish people. It is characterized by belief in one
transcendent God who has revealed Himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance
with the scriptures and rabbinic traditions. Their sacred text is the Torah.
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who serves as the
focal point of the Christian faith. For Christians, the word of God is written in the Bible.
TRIVIA
Judaism is the oldest of the Abrahamic religions and the predecessor of
Christianity and Islam.
The world’s largest religion is Christianity. To
Jews remain faithful to the writings of the Torah, which was believed to have date, it has 2.1 billion followers worldwide.
been handed to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and the Tanakh, the books of the
prophets, the kings, and some other religious writings.
Interesting Islam Facts:

• The word “Islam” means submission or surrender.
• The root word of Islam is “Salam,” which means “peace.”
• The word “Islam” in religious terms means “surrender one’s will to the true will of God to achieve peace.”
• A Muslim is one who surrenders himself to God’s true will.
Islam is the religious faith of Muslims who worship Allah as the sole deity and believes Muhammad is His prophet. The
holy scriptures of Islam is the Koran.
Source: http://www.softschools.com/facts/religion/islam_facts/996/
Interesting Hinduism Facts:

• The word Hindu originates from the Indian Indus River.
• There are more than one billion followers of Hinduism in the world today.
• Hinduism is not a single religion; rather, it is practiced by many different religious groups from India.
• Most of Hinduism’s sacred texts were written in Sanskrit in ancient times.
• The oldest ancient texts of Hinduism are called the Vedas. Vedah means knowledge.
• The Vedas include Rigveda, Yajur-Veda, Sama-Veda, and Atharva-Veda
Hinduism, considered the world’s oldest religion, is still commonly practiced. Hinduism combines the beliefs, philosophy, and
cultural practices of India. Hindu practitioners are guided by Vedic scriptures and believe in righteousness, the laws of cause and
effect, and the cycle of birth and death. Central to the faith is the belief in reincarnation and one supreme god called Brahman who
has multiple manifestations as either a god or goddess. Gods and goddesses can be spirits, trees, animals, and even planets.
Interesting Buddhism Facts:
• Buddha is also known as “the enlightened one” or “the awakened one.”
• When Buddha was 35 he meditated under a fig tree, the Bodhi tree, for several days until he attained enlightenment.
• Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching his followers (in the north-eastern Indian subcontinent) the path of awakening.
• Buddha lived to the age of 80. He died in Kushinagar, India in 483 BC.
Buddhism refers to the teachings of Guatama Buddha. Buddha, (originally a follower of the Hindu faith) experienced
enlightenment, or Bodhi, while sitting under a tree. It was in this moment that Buddha was said to be awakened to the truth of the
world, or the Dharma. Buddha, an ordinary man, taught his followers how to follow the path to Enlightenment. Thus, Buddhism
does not believe in a divine realm or God as a supernatural being, but instead follows the wisdom of their founder.
Source: http://www.softschools.com/facts/religion/buddhism_facts/992
The Concept of “Dungan,” Spirit, and Soul
In pre-colonial Philippines, our ancestors looked up to a “babaylan.” Described as a priestess or shaman, a babaylan
acted as a healer, spiritual leader, and medium. The babaylan perform rituals through chants or prayers for spiritual intervention
to drive spirits that cause illness or misfortune.
A babaylan is usually a woman, but there were some men who were babaylans, too. Male babaylans, however, were
said to have feminine traits.The babaylans explore the world of animism. Animism is the attribution of a soul to plants, inanimate
objects, and natural phenomena. Our ancestors believed that souls are quasi-physical and can exist outside the body (such as
in dreams and in visions) and that they can transfer from one body to another. They also believe that souls persist after death
and become ghosts, in the same way that modern Filipinos believe in “multo.”
Prior to being converted to a religion (Islam or Catholicism), our ancestors already believed in spirit beings that dwell in the
environment, our deceased ancestral souls, and forces in nature (wind, moon, stars). Central to the traditions of our ancestors
was the belief that animate and inanimate creatures have a “life force.”
How do “dungan” and “ginhawa” differ?

Alicia P. Magos, an anthropologist and a professor emerita of University of the Philippines Visayas made a pioneering
study on the primeval Visayan concept of “dungan.” According to Magos, “dungan” was “a life force, an energy, as well as an
ethereal entity, a spirit with a will of its own that resides in the human body and provides the essence of life” (Magos, 1992, pp.
47-50). Under this concept, everyone has a “dungan.” This is similar to the western concept of “soul”, however, unlike the soul,
the “dungan” can temporarily leave the body when the person is asleep. Once “dungan” returns to the person’s body, he or she
becomes fully conscious again. If any other spirits harm the “dungan” while it is outside the body and cannot return, the person
dies.
Meanwhile, our pre-colonial ancestors also believed that aside from a “dungan,” a vital force also occupies the body. This
vital force was called “ginhawa” (translation: breath of life). “Ginhawa” was said to be responsible for the heart’s ability to beat. It
was believed that if “ginhawa” left the body, the person also dies.
“Ginhawa” and “dungan” both exist in every person. Ginhawa was the breath of life while dungan was the conscious
intellectual and emotional aspect.
What is the difference between the soul and the spirit of man?
The soul and the spirit are the two primary immaterial aspects ascribed to humanity. There are different shades of
meaning between the idea of the soul and the idea of the spirit from culture to culture and religion to religion.
Here is a brief and general overview of the difference between a soul and a spirit:
Etymology
Old English for “soul” was “sawol” that meant the “spiritual and emotional part of a person’s animate existence.”
Spirit is directly from Latin spiritus “a breathing (respiration, and of the wind), breath, breath of a god,” hence, “inspiration,
breath of life.”
Biblical beliefs
Soul refers to the conscious, the moral, and thinking part of reason. The soul is immortal; it will go to hell,
purgatory, or heaven after the person dies.
Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit, the third part of the Trinity. (In theology, the Spirit is the third person of the
Trinity/Triune God and not just its part.) It is the force of God through which blessings are bestowed upon his people. As
one develops in the faith, he or she is said to be growing spiritually.

In Western Culture
Soul can often be taken to mean someone’s moral consciousness. For example, a cruel killer could be said to
have no soul.
Spirit may also refer to ghosts or any other supernatural beings. It is believed that the souls of people who died
with unfinished business wander the earth until their task is fulfilled.
In Eastern Culture
Soul is part of the person that has dharma. In Hinduism, dharma is one’s obligation with respect to caste, social
custom, civil law, and sacred law. Dharma incurs karma. In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is the sum of a person’s
actions in this and the previous states of existence. The fate of one’s future existence depends on one’s karma.
Nature and ancestor spirits are common in Taoism. Shinto, an animistic folk religion from Japan, places an
emphasis on shamanism, particularly divination, spirit possession, and faith healing. Confucianism tolerates the Chinese
folk recognition of the existence of animistic spirits, ghosts, and deities.
The Soul According to some Ethnolinguistic Groups of the Philippines

• Linnawa or “soul of the dead” by the Ifugao.
• Kaduwa of the Isneg (an Igorot tribe native to Apayao Province in the Philippines’ Cordillera Administrative Region). The
Isneg believes that the dead exists in a realm called the aglalanawan. The kaduwa (soul) is believed to cross a pond in
a ferry piloted by a kutaw (spirit).
• The Kankanaey (another member of the Igorot people) believes that the human person is composed of the physical
body and the ab-abiik (soul). When spirits summon a person’s ab-abiik he or she becomes sick. A ritual will be performed
to appease the spirit who summoned the ab-abiik to return to its body, and the person recovers from the illness.
• Kaluluwa is the Tagalog people’s concept of the soul. However, it refers more to the soul of the deceased. The soul of a
living person is called a “kakambal”. The “kakambal” leaves the physical body at night to roam, and any bad encounter
causes bangungot (nightmare).
• The Ilokano has a four-soul system.
o The kararua, or the soul proper. It is the equivalent of a soul in a Christian concept.
o Karkarma stands for natural vigor, mind, and reason. It can leave the physical body when one is frightened. A
karkarma can also be stolen. If this soul fails to return to the body, the person becomes insane. Sacrificial
ceremonies may be performed to lure back a lost karkarma.
o Aniwaas can leave the body during sleep and visits places familiar to the body. If one wakes up while the aniwaas
is visiting these places, he or she may lose the aniwaas and become insane.
o Araria is the liberated soul of the dead. It visits relatives and friends in the physical world to ask for prayers. It
can also perform a duty it failed to do in life. The howling of dogs mean araria is present. The soul can make
sounds and manipulate physical objects usually relating to what it did in life.
• The Ibanag/Ybanag (who inhabits the province of Cagayan, Isabel and Nueva Viscaya) has a distinction between baggi
(body) and ikaruruwa (soul). The Ibanag believes that the soul has physical characteristics. The soul may have color,
and the souls of dead babies can reach adulthood in the spirit realm. The role of the soul is to give direction and wholeness
to the man, but the body can survive without the soul, and even without the body the soul experiences material wants
and needs.
• The Hanunoo Mangyan (of Mindoro) believes in the plurarity of souls. For instance, they have karaduwa tawu/tawo
(human soul), karaduwa manok (chicken soul), karaduwa baboy (pig soul), karaduwa kuti (cat soul), karaduwa hipon

(shrimp soul). A soul can also separate itself from the physical body. When a person sleeps, the karaduwa roams the
world. What the person dreams of are actually the experiences of the karaduwa while roaming around.
• The Tagbanwa of central northern Palawan believes that people have one ‘true soul’ kiyaraluwa and five secondary
souls. The kirayaluwa is given at birth by the god Magindusa. The secondary souls are located in both hands and feet,
while there is also on in the head just below the air whorl (alimpuyo).
• The ethnic tribes of Bukidnon believe in the gimukod. According to their custom, there are two types of gimukod: the one
in the right hand and the one in the left hand. The gimukod in the right hand is the good soul, and the one in the left hand
is the bad soul. The right hand soul is associated with life, health, activity, and joy. The left-hand soul is the cause of
lethargy, pain, and illness.
Rituals and Ceremonies

A ritual is a ceremony or action performed in customary way. Ritual may be
prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community. Rituals
include not only the worship rites and sacraments of organized religions and cults, but also
rites of passage, atonement and purification rites, oaths of allegiance, dedication
ceremonies, coronations, presidential inaugurations, marriages, funerals – perhaps all
kinds of human activity.
A ceremony is a formal act or ritual (often se by custom or tradition) performed in

observation of an even or anniversary, e.g., Japanese tea ceremony.
Where does ritual originate?

The general approaches to theories about the nature and origin of rituals are:
1. Origin approach;
2. Functional approach; and Abraham (a Biblical figure)
3. History of religions approach. sacrificing Isaac
Source: pinterest.com
The origin approach was the earliest form to explain ritual. The basic premise of this approach is that ritual behavior was
part of the human evolution. Scholars believed that locating the oldest culture and cults could explain the universal nature of
rituals; that if they could discover the origin, then contemporary human rituals can be explained.
Some other scholars turned away from the origin approach claiming such approach cannot adequately explain human
behavior because no one can very these ideas. Instead, these scholars focused on empirical evidence gathered through actual
observation. The nature of rituals was believed to be defined by its function in society. The aim of the functional approach was to
explain ritual behavior in terms of individual and social needs.
The history of religions approach holds the view that ritual behavior is an expression of the sacred; it is how the material
human connects with the transcendent realm or the ultimate reality. The basic problem with this approach, however, is that
scholars need to agree first that such a transcendent realm really exists before the theories can be confirmed (Encyclopaedia
Britannica).
Classification of Rituals
1. Imitative
2. Positive and Negative
3. Sacrificial
4. Life crisis

The meaning of every ritual is based on some belief system. These are called imitative rituals because these are
patterned after myths, and the ritual repeats the myths or aspects of the myth. For example, Filipinos make noises at the strike
of twelve every New Year. This practice is actually based on Chinese myth. As the story goes, there was once a monster called
nián. Every spring, at midnight on New Year’s Day, nián would arrive to eat villagers and destroy homes and farms. One new
year, nián came while the villagers were burning bamboo to keep themselves warm. The monster, frightened by the cracking
noise of the burning bamboo, fled. The villagers realized this was how they could defeat the monster. As time passed by,
firecrackers replaced bamboo burning.
Avoidance is the best description for a negative ritual. The word taboo has been applied to those rituals that concern
something should be avoided because it is forbidden. Thus, negative rituals focus on rules of prohibition, which cover an almost
infinite variety of rites and behavior. One characteristic they all share, however, is that if the person breaks the ritual, it will result
in a dramatic change that usually brings some misfortune. On the other hand, positive rituals are mostly concerned with giving
blessing to an object or to an individual.
Sacrificial rituals are seen as the earliest form of religion. The significance of sacrifice in the history or religion is well-
documented. The distinct feature of this type of ritual is the total destruction of the sacrifice as an offering to a “higher being.” The
sacrifice can be a human being, an animal, food crops, or objects. The destruction could be by burning, dismembering, cutting
the sacrifice into small pieces, eating, or burying it.
The basic characteristic of a life crisis ritual is the transition of one mode or stage of life into another. This ritual usually
defines the life of an individual. For example, it is a Filipino tradition to bury the placenta right after birth, and it is the father who
is tasked to do this. Moreover, for the succeeding children, it is important to bury the placenta of the siblings together so that they
will always love and care for one another the rest of their lives (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
TRIVIA
YAKAN HONEYMOON RITUALS
The Yakans of Basilan Island observe interesting rituals during the honeymoon period.
In the afternoon, just before the first night the new couple spend together, each of them will be given a separate bath
so that children will not only be born clean throughout life.
In their first sexual intercourse, the girl makes sure that she is accepted as a wife and not as harlot by asking questions
about her status. The groom has to answer adequately that she is his wife.
Just before the sexual act, the boy should first step on the right foot as heavily as he can. This symbolizes strength.
The first hand to touch his wife should be the right one, for strength and long life. The first kiss should be planted on the
forehead for oneness of mind, with eyes opened so that his children will not be born blind. He should breathe lightly so that
later in life he will have fewer problems.
The girl want to be assured that her marriage is accepted spiritually and that she will be his wife even after life. For
this reason, the bedding items have to be sanctified and be named in a liturgical language. Permission is also granted to the
groom to own the body of his wife and also name her anatomical parts in liturgical speech.
Any sexual intercourse that is not done according to the natural way is considered abominable in the eyes of the
Yakan and will bring punishment from God on the culprit and his family.

Guided Practice
TASK NO. 2:
In your journal, write a brief entry guided by the questions below.
1. Whatever your religion is, how do you practice 2. Do you believe in spirits? Supernatural forces? If yes, do
your faith? (e.g., through prayer, meditation, you have a personal encounter or experience with those
yoga, etc.) forces? What did you do?
Performance
TASK NO. 3:
Identify what is being asked in each statement below write your answer before each number.
1. It is defined as “relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or
physical things.”
2. It is a mental exercise for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness.
3. They refer to repeated physical gestures or activities, such as prayers and mantras.
4. It is the attribution of a soul to plants, objects, and natural phenomena.
5. It is a vital force that occupies the body which is the conscious intellectual and emotional
aspects.
6. It refers to a formal act performed in observation of an event or anniversary.
7. It is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, which teaches the suppression of all mind and
body activity so that the self may attain liberation.
8. It is a spiritual communion with God as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or
confession.
9. It is defined as “the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a
personal God or gods.”
10. Another contemplative practice that can help you become more aware of your inner life
and feel more connected to your experience and the world around you.

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MODULE 4

Unit 2: UNPACKING THE SELF

Intended Learning Outcome:

Time element: 12 hours

Lesson 1: Physical Self

Name: Course& Yr.: Section:

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 2

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 3

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 4

1. What do you think influence Kate’s low self-esteem?

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 6

Name: Course& Yr.: Section:

A baby’s gender is determined at conception, and the different genitals of male

Click the link below for the video:

Concept Notes Presentation

§ Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics and the Human Reproductive System

§ Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

§ Further Sexual Development Occurs at Puberty

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 7

The shoulders broaden, making the hips look smaller.

Muscle tissue increases, and the voice starts to change

Finally, facial hair begins to develop on the upper lip.

§ What are the erogenous zones of the body?

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 9

§ Understanding the Human Sexual Response

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 10

PHASES GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

§ Sex and the Brain. What parts are involved?

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 11

§ Roles of hormones in sexual activity:

§ Understanding the Chemistry of Lust, Love, and Attachment

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§ Psychological aspect of sexual desire

§ Gender differences on sexual desire

§ Psychological mechanisms of sexual behavior motivation

§ The Diversity of Sexual Behavior

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• History of Sexual Abuse

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

• Goals, Objectives, and Strategies of Republic Health Law

§ Advantages and Disadvantages of Family Planning

Benefits of family planning/contraception according to the WHO

Benefits of Using Family Planning According to DOH

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 17

• Pregnancy after birth control

§ The Natural Family Planning Method

Types of natural family planning methods

§ Periodic Abstinence (Fertility Awareness ) Methods

§ Lactation Amenorrhea Method

§ Hormonal Contraception/ Artificial Family Planning

§ Transdermal Contraceptive Patch

Source: abc.net.au Source: jodrugs.com Source: steptohealth.com

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 19

Pictures (from left to right): Hormonal injection, intrauterine device, diaphragm

Source: kidshealth.org Source: commons.wikimedi.org Source: mayoclinic.org

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 20

Source: ataglanceseries.com Source: stlukeskc.org

Pictures (from left to right): Vasectomy, tubal ligation

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 21

In your journal, write a short entry on the questions given below.

7. It is a person’s emotional and erotic attraction toward another individual.

8. It refers to one’s sense of being male or female.

GEC US Understanding the Self Page 22

Name: Course& Yr.: Section: