UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
Course Material No. 6

Jigo Rafael
Catamio, MAEd, RGC
Course Instructor
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Physiological

Aspect of the Self

6

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Here’s what I will teach you in this course material:
LESSON OUTLINE • To know the influence of the body to self
• Physical Self • To understand the process of reproduction
• Different Body • To distinguish various sexual behaviors
Unit Outline
Types
• To appraise and appreciate the importance of responsible
• Body Image sexual behavior to society.

• Sexual
Characteristics RESOURCES NEEDED
• Sexual For this lesson, you would need the following resources:
Orientation
• PowerPoint presentation
• Contraception
• Laptop and Internet Access
• Notebook or short bond paper for activities

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TABLE OF CONTENTS




Pretest
4 My Best and Worst

Before you start, try answering the following
questions.

are the effects of physical appearance to the
5 The Physical Self
1. What

Self?


_________________________________________ 8 Reflection


2. Identify the reproductive system of men and women.
8 Sexual Aspects of the
Self
________________________________________



3. What are the different temperament of hippocrates? 14 Key Terms


________________________________________


15 Post Test
4. How does Self-Esteem develops and what are its

types?


________________________________________
16 References

5. What are the things that we need to take into

consideration in preventing the spead of STD’s?.

________________________________________










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My Body, My
Self
Key Point
It is important to understand
that the body is generally
an aspect of the Self that is
the easiest to observe and
associated to an individual.
Our similarities and
differences with others
could be a motivation to
some or become a
detriment to our perception
of who we are.

“My Best and Worst” Activity

Identify the Part of your body that you think is the best and
worst. Explain why do you think they are, and how do they affect
your perception of who you are.

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The Physical Self

THE PHYSICAL SELF

The physical self refers to the body. It is the individual’s perception of

themselves in the areas of physical ability and appearance. The performance
of the body’s physical extremities and internal organs changes as we age.
The efficiency of the physical self is at its peak during early adulthood and
declines into the middle age. Physical development and growth of the self is
at a rapid pace during babyhood, while slower during childhood.

Adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. This

stage includes major physical changes including maturation of the
reproductive system. The way an individual relates to the world also changes
at this stage.

Life span is the period of development for a person ranging from conception
to one’s death. It is often referred to as the natural life stages of a person
barring early or unnatural causes of death.

Two Factors Affecting Physical Growth and Development

Both heredity and environment have their share in molding the life and
personality of the individual. Heredity is responsible for all the inheritance of
traits from parents to offspring. Environment, on the other hand, is
responsible for the growth and development of the physical, mental, and
social traits.

Gender and other physical traits are determined by the combination of

chromosomes. The 23rd pair of chromosomes determines the person’s gender
and physical traits – X chromosome is the female chromosome, while the Y
chromosome is the male chromosome.
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Theories of Physical Self

• Theory of Physiognomy suggests that a person’s character or

personality can be determined through their outer appearance –
especially the face. Ancient Chinese’s practice of face reading
suggests that the facial features of an individual is an insight into a
person’s history, and personality. This ancient Chinese practice is
rooted from the 5 Element Theory which states that the 5 elements –
wood, fire, earth, metal and water – are believed to be the
fundamental elements for everything occurring in the natural world.

• Hippocrates theorized that personality traits and human behaviors are

based on 4 separate temperaments and the prominence of body fluids.
This theory suggests that an excess of or deficiency of any of the 4
body fluids (or humors) influences the person’s traits and
temperaments. These 4 temperaments are Sanguine, Melancholic,
Choleric and Phlegmatic.
Sanguine: The red bile is the predominant humor in these people. They tend
to be impulsive, cheerful, happy and optimistic
Melancholic: The black bile is the predominant humor in these people. They
tend to be depressed and pessimistic.
Choleric: The yellow bile is the predominant humor in these people. They
tend to get angry easily, jumpy and temperamental.
Phlegmatic: They have a high amount of phlegm in their systems. They tend
to be sluggish, dull and slow.

• Body-type Theory was developed by William Sheldon in the 1940s.

This theory suggests that an individual’s personality is based on the 3
body types: Endomorphic, Mesomorphic and Ectomorphic.
Endomorphic body type is soft and plump and are perceived to be
easy going and sociable. Mesomorphic body type has a strong
muscular body and are perceived to be energetic, adventurous, and
sociable. Ectomorphic body type is tall and thin and is perceived to be
socially awkward, introverted and artistic.

• Jean Haner in 2008 and Squier & Mew in 1981 suggested a theory
that the personality of an individual depends on the shape of his/her
face.
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Body Image
Body image is a person’s perception of their body and physical appearance.
Appearance refers to everything that others can observe about a person. Body
image is also related to self-esteem, which is a person’s overall sense of self-
worth or personal value.

Body image can affect both the adolescent’s physical and psychological well
being. As this is the stage of maturation and changes, adolescents are more
conscious of their physical appearance and their self-image. Sociocultural
factors also play a vital role in an adolescent’s reaction to their physical
appearance. These factors include peers, parents, media, and advertising.
These factors influence the adolescent’s perception of his/her physical self,
resulting to body dissatisfaction.

The Importance of Beauty

Different cultures have different definitions and perceptions of beauty.
However, the standards of beauty change over time as sociocultural factors
also influence these standards. Due to these, some people desperately change
their physical appearance through body modification to meet or even surpass
the standards. Examples of body modification include tattooing, makeup,
piercing, cosmetic surgery and the use of diet pills.

Whether beauty is biologically programmed or culturally constructed, it

remains important in all societies. People tend to judge others easily based
from their physical appearance; however, physical appearance alone is not
enough to measure one’s character. One must look into his/her inner self to
know an individual’s character.
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What is your opinion regarding premarital sex? And what is your

position on the debate of whether to allow abortion on
unexpected pregnancies or to go on with the pregnancy
regardless?

The Sexual Aspect of Self

As we come to understand the beauty of physical self, it is also proper to

learn to understand the sexual self. Throughout the development of an
individual, it is understood that the influence of ones physiology often
influences ones behavior. From the concept of pleasure seeking tendency of a
person in psychoanalytic approach by Freud up to the various stages of
development that defines the role of sexual behavior. The time of the most
changes are said to be at the beginning of adolescence where the reproductive
system as well as the primary and secondary sexual characteristics are being
defined.
Primary Sex Characteristics. These are the physical characteristics that
people already have since birth. The common distinction and example of
such is our understanding of what male and female is. Physiologically, males
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are described by having penis, testes, scrotum and prostate, while females are
associated with having the vagina, uterus and ovaries.
Secondary Sex Characteristics. These are usually observed or said to be
developing at the onset of puberty, the changes in the body such as, the
enlargement of breast, onset of menstruation, and growth of pubic hairs are
some of the examples for women. While, testicular growth, sperm
production, appearance of facial and pubic hair, and deepening of voice are
some of the changes that men experiences.

Human reproductive system is an organ system by which reproduces and

bear live offspring. It requires the union between the male and female
reproductive system to which carries out to produce another life form.
Provided that all organs are present, human reproductive system works from
the released of egg cell from female reproductive organ, to the fertilization of
sperm cells, to the conception, up to the giving birth of the baby and
eventually to the return of the female physical body to the original state.
(Harrison, 2018)

picture credits to: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.

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Male Reproductive System
a. Testes –are the most important part of male reproductive organ. It is
the source of Spermatozoa (male germ cell)
b. Scrotum – it is a sac of skin where the two testes are enveloped;
directly below and outside of the abdomen.
c. Prostate glands – it is a gland that carries out both urine and seminal
fluid. Sperm ducts from sperm ducts joining into single tube called
urethra connect it. Urethra then leads to the outside of the body
through penis.
d. Penis – it is where the ejaculation occurs by sending sperm cell from
testis and secrete out.
e. Sperm – It is a male gametes, one that is necessary for the egg to
develop and become a baby.
Female Reproductive System
1. Ovary – It is a pair of small, oval organs that produces the egg cell
(ovum; female germ cells). Thousands of ova will mature and will be
taken up to the fallopian tube through the uterus by the time of
puberty.
2. Fallopian Tube – are pair of thin tubes that leads from ovaries to the
uterus.
3. Uterus – (womb) it is a hollow pear-shaped elastic muscular structure
where fertilized ovum (zygote) develops into a baby.
4. Vagina – It is a tube leading to outside of the body through an
opening called the vulva.
During the sexual intercourse, the semen from male is discharged in the
vagina. The sperm cells will begin moving up to the uterus reaching the
fallopian tube. During the travel most of the sperms will die while climbing
up the fallopian tube, only one sperm will enter the ovum and can remain
alive for only 12 hours. In this time, if it meets ovum which will lead to
fertilization. This zygote (fertilized egg) will form in an embryo from which
will enter gestation period. It is around 9 months in time for the woman to
give birth.
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Physiological Aspects of Sexual Excitement

Erogenous Zone
These are part of the body that particularly sensitive to touch, pressure and
vibration which contributes to sexual arousal. Identifying erogenous zone

(“hot spots”) gives different reaction and effect to a person. For one, these
could bring sexual satisfaction, also, improves sexual health and stimulating
different spots may produce different reaction to the body. Female and male
erogenous zone are reproductive organ (vagina, penis, scrotum & clitoris),
mouth (lips), neck, breast (nipples) and ears.
Phases of Sexual Response
Erogenous zones brings us to sexual arousal, which is unique to each
individual, people shares same basic aspects of sexual responsiveness.
According to Johnson & Master (1966), sexual response follows a regular
pattern consisting of four (4) phases: arousal, plateau, orgasm and resolution.
The excitement/arousal phase is the beginning of sexual arousal and
said to be the most subjective. The signs of this stage varies from rising blood
pressure, quick breaths, penile erection (male), and swelling of clitoris or
vaginal opening becomes wet in preparation for sexual intercourse.
The plateau phase is a brief period of time before the orgasm. It is
the body’s preparation for orgasm.
The orgasm phase is an intense, highly pleasurable experience.
When this phase is reached, rhythmic muscular contractions occur in the
genitals. In male, the contractions expel semen, a fluid containing semen, a
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process called ejaculation. For women and men, breathing and heart rates
reach maximum.
Last stage of sexual arousal, the resolution The body returns to its
normal state.
Diversity of Sexual Orientations
Sexual Orientation refers to the individuals’ sexual identity and
behavior based on what gender one associates them into. In our current
society where the call for equal considerations and opportunities are asked by
the LGBTQ+ community, it is relevant for us to somehow understand the
classifications and differences of the different orientations.
Heterosexuality
Often characterized by peoples sexual attraction and behavior
directed to opposite sex. More than male-female intercourse, it involves
kissing, petting, caressing, massaging and other form of sexual activities.
Homosexuality and Bisexuality
Homosexuality is often characterized by romantic and/or sexual
attraction between members of same sex. Bisexuals are person who can be
romantically or sexually attracted to same sex and the other sex. Some male
homosexuals prefer the term Gay and some female homosexual prefer the
term Lesbian. Gays and Lesbian as preference for a terminology refer not
only to their sexual preference but also as Gender preference. These by which
refer to a broader array of attitudes and lifestyle of the individual than the
sexuality itself.

Transsexual
These are people who believed they were born with the body of the
other gender. Men transsexuals believe that they are men in a women’s body
and women transsexuals believe that they are women in a men’s body.
Transsexuals sometimes seek sex exchange operations, which undergo
several steps such as intensive sexual counseling, hormone injections, living
as member of desired sex for several years, surgery.
Transgender

These are people who view themselves as a third gender, they are
transvestites (who wears clothes of the other gender) or those who believed
that traditional male-female classifications inadequately characterized them.
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Sexually transmitted diseases and contraception

As overpopulation and countless cases of Sexually Transmitted Disease
(STD) such as gonorrhea, syphilis etc., along with the threat of Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the government educates people the
importance of Contraception. There are two kinds of contraception; the
Natural Contraception and the Artificial Contraception.
Natural Contraceptive methods are type of birth control method that does
not necessarily use external devices or medications to be accomplished.
These may be in a form of abstinence, calendar method, basal body
temperature method, cervical mucus method, symptothermal method,
ovulation detection, lactation amenorrhea method and coitus interruptus.
Artificial Contraceptive Methods is a diverse method of contraception using
various devices and or medications to prevent conception of a woman. There
are different types of artificial contraception but not all types are appropriate
for all situation. Using artificial contraception depends on the individual’s
health status, age, sexual activity and/or number of partners. There are oral
contraception, transdermal patch, vaginal ring, sub dermal implants,
hormonal injection, Intrauterine device (IUD), chemical barriers, diaphragm,
cervical cap, male and female condoms, surgical methods (vasectomy and
tubal ligation).
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LESSON SUMMARY

In Summary, there are a lot of things we can associate when it comes to the
physical aspects of the self. From our identification of our personality in
relation to ones body type up, our perceptions of our self that influences our
interactions to others, as well as, our urges and preferences when it comes to
relationships are the things that we need to consider in understanding who we
are and our roles in society and the world.
By considering all of the concepts that was discussed in this material, we can
then have a better preparation to understanding how we appreciate what we
have, and be motivated to improve or pursue the things that we deem we
lack.

KEY TERMS

Self Physical Self Sexual self

temperament Self Esteem Physiological
Reproductive System Testes Ovaries
STDs Health Contraception

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POSTTEST

Directions: Fill in the blank with the letter corresponding to your answer.

_______ 1. They tend to be impulsive, cheerful, happy and optimistic:

a. Phlegmatic c. Melancholic
b. Choleric d. All of the Above

_______ 2. The Male sexual Gland that produces the Sperm cell:
a. Penis c. Testis
b. Scrotum d. Prostate

_______ 3. Coitus interuptus, Subdermal Implants, Vasectomy, Ovulation Detection are samples of:
a. Natural Contraception c. Both A and B
b. Artificial Contraception d. None of the above

_______ 4. The Last stage of sexual response is known as:

a. Arousal c. Excitation
b. Plateau d. None of the Above

_______ 5. These are part of the body that particularly sensitive to touch, pressure and vibration
which contributes to sexual arousal:
a. Sex organs c. Erogenous Zones
b. Arousal d. Puberty

6-10. what are the different sexual orientations discussed in this material?

REFERENCES
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Alata, E.J., Caslib Jr., B.N., Serafica, J.P., & Pawilen, R.A. (2018). Understanding the Self. [1st
ed.]. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Leary, M.R. & Tangney, J.P. (2012). Handbook of Self and Identity. [2nd ed.], New york:
Gilford Press Retrieved from
https://www.ravenshawuniversity.ac.in/Study_Materials/psychology_UG/handbook_of_self_
and_identity_-_second_edition_-_ch._4_pp._69-104_38_pages.pdf
Go-Monilla, M.J. & Ramirez, N. (2018). Understanding the Self. [1st ed.]. Quezon City: C & E
Pub.
Harrison. (2018). Human Reproductive System. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/science/human-reproductive-system/Introduction