The Physical

Self
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the topic, you are
expected to:
1. Understand the stages of life
and explain the physical changes
that occur during each stage.
2. Determine the contributions of
genetic and environmental
factors on physical development
of the self.
3. Describe the factors that
affect body image.
4. Examine the impact of culture
on body image and self.
5. Develop a positive body image.
THE PHYSICAL SELF
• The physical self refers to the
body.
• The basic parts of the
body are the head, neck, chest,
arms, and legs.
• The body is also made up of
other organs such as the brain,
heart, lungs, stomach,
intestines, bones, and muscles.
• The organs of the body
work together to perform
many of its functions.
• The body's ability to
perform its functions
gradually changes through
the years.
• It performs its functions
least well during infancy
and old age.
• Adolescence stage is
characterized by rapid
physical changes that
includes the maturation of
the reproductive system.
• Each individual goes through
a succession of
developmental stages.
• Life span is the development
from conception to death.
Elizabeth B. Hurlock outlined
the stages in the life span:
1. Prenatal – fertilization to birth
2. Infancy – birth to 2 weeks of life
3. Babyhood – 2 weeks of life to 2nd year
4. Early Childhood – 2 to 6
5. Late Childhood – 6 to 10 or 12
6. Puberty – 10 or 12 to 14
7. Adolescence – 14 to 18
8. Early Adulthood – 18 to 40
9. Middle Adulthood – 40 to 60
10. Late Adulthood – 60 to death
Factors Influencing Physical
Growth and Development
• Physical growth and development
is the product of heredity and
environment.
• Heredity is the biological
process of transmission of traits
from parents to offspring.
• Environment refers to the
factors to which the individual is
exposed after conception to
death which includes learning
and experiences.
 BODY IMAGE
• Body image refers to how
individuals perceive, think, and
feel about their body and
physical appearance.
• Physical appearance refers to
everything about a person that
others can observe.
• Through appearances, people
show others the kind of
persons they are.
• Body image is related to self-
esteem.
• Self-esteem is a person's
overall evaluation of his or her
own worth.
• Adolescents worry about
different parts of their
bodies.
• Younger women and girls
tend to have poor body
image.
• Body image can affect
both the adolescent’s
physical and psychological
well-being.
Causes of Poor Body Image
• Parents emphasis on thin
ideal body.
• Bullying and peer pressure.
• Media such as television,
and advertisements.
• Poor self-esteem and low
self-confidence.
Effects of Poor Body Image
• Depression, poor self-
esteem, low self-confidence,
and eating disorders such as
anorexia nervosa.The
disorders largely afflicts
females between the ages of
12 and 40.
• A related disorder is bulimia.
• Leads to body modification.
Body Modification
• Some people desperately
change their physical
appearance through body
modification.
• Tattooing, permanent
makeup, body piercing,
cosmetic surgery are
forms of body
modification.
CONCEPT AND IMPORTANCE
OF BEAUTY
• Standards of beauty have
changed over time due to
changing cultural values.
• Humans who have clean and
unblemished skin, thick shiny
hair, well-proportioned bodies,
and symmetrical faces have
traditionally been considered
the most beautiful.
• These features indicate youth,
health, good genes, and
fertility.
• Beauty is considered important in
all societies throughout history.
• Studies show that people who are
physically attractive have more
opportunities.
• People tend to view attractive
people as good, happier, smarter,
and better people. Generally,
unattractive people are less liked
and assisted.
• People tend to seek attractive
people as mates.
Source:

Go-Monilla, J., & Ramirez, N. (2018).

Understanding the self. Philippines:
C&E Publishing, Inc.