1
CHAPTER 3
PHYSIOLOGICAL BASES OF
PERSONALITY
"The eyes sees a great many things, but the average
brain records very few of them."
-Thomas Alva Edison -
A certain aspect does not determine an
individual's personality but by various determinants
such as one's physiological well being. This basically
makes up our innate hereditary influence.
Consequently, such aspect plays a major role that
contributes to the predetermined characteristics of a
person.
HEREDITY: Biological Inheritance
The traits that we derived biologically from both
of our parents were contained in the 23 pairs of
chromosomes that becomes the master plan of our
system. Every characteristic that we possess is what we
innately have inherited from the genes of our mother
and father. Our eyes, lips, body built, height, hair and
skin color etc. were but our parents’ traits. These were
basically the traits that were transferred from parents
to offspring.
Chromosomes that emanates from our parents
comprise the 23 pairs that comes from the mother s
ovum and 23 pairs from the father s sperms. The
chromosome carries the attributes of the contributing
couple. Individual hereditary units are called Genes
while those that are dominant will overpower the
controlled recessive genes in the child though both will
still be manifested even among the later offspring.
NERVOUS SYSTEM THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The physical and physiological components
comprising our system find its main source from our
neural networks. These are the intricately
interconnected neurons that are being powered by the
central nervous system and supported by the peripheral
nervous system.
The Central Nervous System
The Central Nervous System is comprised of the
brain and the Spinal Cord. The spinal cord is a narrow
tube that extends the length of the back, from the hips
to the baseof the skull, where it joins the brain. The
brain is a soft gelatin-like mass that floats in the
cerebrospinal fluid and encased in the skull. Twenty
percent of the total blood flow of the body goes into
the brain and a six-second interruption may cause
unconsciousness and irreversible brain damage within a
few minutes (Roediger III, et. Al. 2000).
The Peripheral Nervous System
The peripheral nervous system includes all that
is found outside of the skull and spine. It contains a
large bulk of sensory neurons, which carry information
from sensory receptors to the central nervous system
and motor neurons that carry information from the
central nervous system to the organs and muscles.
Peripheral senses include pressure, touch, pain and the
like.
How Do We Take Care of the Nervous System?
It is essential to take extra care of our brain and
those that connects with it since it is the primary source
of our behavior much as it is concerned with how we
survive and operate everyday. Certain practices can aid
in the maintenance of the brain as well as its
peripheries. Though it is true that the brain needs time
to rest, other elements are necessary to sustain its
energy level. An example of this is the presence of
chemical neurotransmitters that will allow an individual
to be elated. Many of the food we eat supply us with
substances, such as protein. This is broken down into
amino acids that is utilized by the brain to create
neurotransmitters. Absence or deficiency of this can
lead to mood swings and later depression. Some brain
chemicals are important in increased muscle activity,
more aggressive behavior and emotional states. It
either has a calming or alerting effect on the individual.
Carbon-rich, protein-poor meal tends to induce
drowsiness and more relaxing state, which result in
performance impairment for both men and women.
Hence, breakfast entails a balanced carbohydrate and
protein meal to ensure heightened alertness. A
nutritious breakfast may include fruit, yogurt, bread,
cereal, juice or cottage cheese. However, fatty foods
should be avoided such as sausages, bacon, doughnuts,
croissants, coffee cakes and pastries because fats are
much harder to digest. Lunch is also critical especially if
the energy level wears off during the morning mental
and physical exertion. If one wants to remain alert and
responsive, lunch should consist of high protein and
low-fat diet.
Diet, or what we regularly eat and drink
provides us with the fuel that powers our body and
brain. Food is crucial to our body's survival. The Food
Pyramid will guide us on how we should distribute our
food intake to ensure proper health and nutrition. A
healthy body means a well-conditioned mind. This
therefore, allows us to perform our daily tasks
efficiently and effectively.
2
Fats, oils, and sweets should be used sparingly as shown
at the tip of the food guide Pyramid. Food that primarily
contains fat is generally low in other nutrients and is
high in calories. Such leads to weight gain and other
types of health problems. This is especially true with
saturated fats that are mostly found in poultry, meat,
and eggs which are high in cholesterol, a wax-like
substance used by the body to build cells and make
other substances that most of the time are unhealthy
for the body. Sodium or table salt should also be
avoided. Less than one teaspoonful is allotted for an
individual though most of us are guilty of going beyond
the required intake.
Major nutrients should be considered in our daily diet
as they help maintain our body’s wellness. These
include:
 Carbohydrates that provides our body with
energy;
 Proteins which is used to repair body cells and
tissues;
 Vitamins which help to regulate body functions;
 Fats which serve as source of energy for vitamin
storage and body insulation;
 Minerals that strengthen muscles, bones and
teeth, enrich the blood and keep the heart and
other organs healthy;
 Water which keeps 60% of an adults total body
weight. It helps break down food, carries
nutrients throughout the body, removes wastes
and maintains a stable body temperature.
Healthy choice of food includes plenty of grains,
Vegetables and fruits. The bottom of the Food Pyramid
helps in maintaining healthy eyes, skin, bones and
blood. These food groups serve as source of fiber such
as that which comes from apple and potato skin and
beans. Fiber helps in waste elimination and prevents
the onset of certain diseases such as cancer. Twenty
grams of fiber should be maintained to keep digestive
system healthy.
Foods to Enjoy
Apples, arugula, artichokes, asparagus,
avocado, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries,
raspberries (all berries), bamboo shoots, bok choy,
broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage cauliflower,
cantaloupe and honeydew melon, celery, cherries,
chicory, Chinese cabbage, collards, cucumbers, dark
green leafy lettuces (baby greens), eggplant, endive,
escarole, fresh lemons, grapefruit, greens (tumip,
collard, mustard, dark lettuce), green beans, Jerusalem
artichoke, kale, green and red bell peppers, hot
peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic, chives, leeks,
scallions, pears, pea pods, radish, rutabaga, Swiss chard,
spinach, sprouts of all kinds, summer squash, tomatoes,
turnips, water chestnut and zucchini.
Foods to avoid
Breads, rolls, baked goods, cake, cookies,
cereals (except slow-cooked oatmeal) cornstarch,
combread, com muffins, com syrup, crackers,
croissants, doughnuts, egg rolls, fast food, French fries,
fruit juice, fried foods, granola, hard cheese (except for
feta and grated cheese), honey, hot dogs, ice cream,
frozen yogurt, Italian ices, jams, jellies and preserves,
margarine, molasses, muffins, noodles, pancakes,
pastry, pie, pita bread, pizza, pasta, popcorn, potatoes,
pudding, relish, rice, sherbet, shortening, snack foods
(potato chips, pretzels, com chips, rice, and corn cakes,
etc.) soda, sugar, tacos, tortillas, and waffle
TAKING CARE OF YOUR PHYSIQUE
Skin
The skin plays a very important in one's
appearance. It creates an impression on others that
implicates certain attitudes, practices, and habits of an
individual. The skin, which is the outer covering of a
body, serves many functions such as: (1). shield against
water (2). Defense against germs (3) control of body
temperature 4) serves as the cutaneous system that
contains the nerve endings that feeds the nervous
system with stimulus from the surroundings. This
significant function makes it imperative for us to take
real care of our skin. Such practices may include the
following:
 Take a bath or shower everyday.
 Apply deodorant everyday.
 Avoid oily food.
 Prevent the onset of acne.
 Rest.
 Drink 8 glasses of water per day. • Avoid too
much exposure to sunlight.
 Use a waterproof sunscreen with SPF 15 or
higher.
 Avoid sunlight from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m.
 Take Vitamin C (against pollutants).
 Take Vitamin E.
 Never use much cosmetics.
 Avoid applying harsh substances like
astringents. Use facial cream & lotion to
maintain moisture.
Skin workout
Here are some tips to make sure that your skin
gets the most from a workout (Merki, 1999).
3
Do's
• Drink plenty of water while working out to
prevent dehydration.
• Use two towels to wipe sweat from the
equipment you are using and another for your
skin. Sweat contains bacteria that can cause
pimples.
• Take a cool-to-warm shower after working out
to wash away sweat and reduce skin redness.
Don’t’s
• Never spray water on your face while working
out-it will dehydrate your skin.
• Don’t wear sweatbands or makeup. Sweatbands
trap moisture next to your skin. Either that or
make-up will block your pores.
• Don’t use harsh deodorant soaps when you
shower. They leave the skin too dry, which may
lead to acne.
Hair
The part, we see on our scalp, is the hair shaft. The hair
follicle and root are embedded in the skin. The hair is
basically made of dead cells. As new hair cells are
formed, old ones are forced outward through the
surface of the skin and die. The shape of the hair shaft
determines whether one’s hair is wavy, curly or straight.
Taking care of our hair entails simple practices, which
include the following daily routine.
• Brush or comb hair at least twice a day to
maintain its body as well as its shine. Brushing
one’s hair releases the natural oil that brings
shine to every hair strand.
• Wash every day with gentle soap or shampoo.
• Shampoo hair a maximum of three times a
week only to prevent dryness.
• Have a hot oil at least once a week (do-it-
yourself hot Oil treatment).
• Use your own comb or brush to prevent getting
parasitic Insects from others.
• Color/perm/straighten hair with salon
assistance and with extreme care.
• Iron hair only during events and only if
necessary.
• Trim hair once a month to remove split ends
and dry Ends.
Face Shape and Hairstyle
Proper hairstyle depends on one’s facial shape.
Face shapes include round, heart, diamond and oval. A
narrow face deserves a hairstyle that volume and width
on the sides. Never part your hair in the middle. A wide
face needs that aside from adding more length and less
height to the hairstyle. A small face needs a style that
fits closer to the head and should avoid a hairstyle that
overwhelms it. A large face on the other hand should
never be given a cropped style that makes the face even
bigger (Slater 1998).
Straight hair
Your hair type can range from the fine blond
hair to the thick, sometimes coarse hair. It can be
texturized with perms, hair setting, and hair products.
Thin straight hair often benefits from being colored,
which adds texture and fullness to each strand. Very
coarse or thick straight hair may be difficult to perm,
requiring extra time and additional perming rods for the
proper final look. Simple, geometric haircuts like bobs,
are a natural for straight hair of any texture. Very
straight, thick hair is often resistant to perms-stubborn
about taking a curl and likely to need frequent perming
to maintain hair's new texture.
Wavy hair
Your hair type is often considered the most desirable. It
has lots of natural movement that can be maximized
with hairstyling products, and can be blown dry into a
straight hair look or scrunched for a curly effect. Waves
make lightly layered hair looks a natural choice. Adding
hair highlights or hair lowlights via hair color or shine-
enhancing products, can maximize the apperance of
wavy hair's gentle undulation.
Curly hair
Your hair type has great natural body, but may look dull
or unruly. To maximize your hair's potential, choose a
layered hair style look (long or short) that cuts shape
into curly hair. Brilliantines, hair pomades, surface
silkeners, and soft hair fixatives can boost hair's shine
and calm down too much hair curl. Coarse, curly hair,
chemical retexturizing via hair coloring or hair relaxing is
a good choice, giving your hair style a smoother and
more manageable feel. Deep, heat-activated hair
conditioners are also important for curly hair, which
sometimes has a tendency towards breakage and split
ends.
Teeth
The mouth, specifically the teeth affect our
appearance. It could either attract or turn off the other
person. It s not only our speech that makes us unique
but our unique set of teeth as well. They contribute
much to our appearance and appeal. And since we
could not help but smile, here are some ways to
maintain such healthy and enticing smile.
 Maintain a regular oral care.
 Brush teeth after eating and before bedtime.
 Use a mouthwash.
 Use floss for hard-to-reach spots.
 Prevent onset of cavity.
 Maintain a healthy diet.
 Avoid sugar-enhanced diet.
 Have regular dental checkups.
 Avoid use of tobacco.
 See a doctor in case of Halitosis or bad breath
the may be caused by tooth decay, digestive
illness, certain foods or use of tobacco.
4

The Benefits of Exercise

A regular exercise makes an individual maintain

Feet
Our feet are basically one of the most neglected
but very important part of our being. It is an
engineering marvel that supports our weight, serves as
shock absorber and helps maintain our posture. Certain
problems make our feet uncomfortable. Such includes
(1) Callus (2) bunion (3) Corn (4) blister (5) Athlete's foot
(6) Fallen arches. These problems can easily be cured
through the maintenance of the following practices.
• Choose a shoe that is not too tight or loose.
• Never wash feet if tired.
• Have a foot spa regularly to relieve foot spasms.
• Elevate feet at bedtime.
• Massage feet with eucalyptus oil at night to
avoid vein
• swelling.
• Avoid using high heeled shoes that causes much
stress to the feet.
• Avoid use of toe rings that prevents proper
blood flow.
his physical fitness. It makes him feel good and feel
better about himself. As a consequence, a higher self-
esteem is developed. Sustaining one's fitness lowers
depression and allows management of stress. Through
exercise appetite is leveled-off and blood pressure stays
low. Furthermore, mood is improved. as exercise
becomes a healthy outlet for tension, anger or
frustration as it energizes him. It may aid in channeling
one's energy onto something healthy and productive.
Exercise is actually high on the list of self-help
techniques endorsed by recent research on brain
function. There is little doubt that exercise has a
psychologically calming effect and benefits the heart,
lungs and muscles as well. "Runners high" apparently
occurs because strenuous activity stimulates the brain
to increase its output of endorphins, opiate-like
chemicals that produce a natural "high" (Reader's
Digest 2005).
According to Merki (1999) some benefits of
exercise and fitness include the following:
• Physically, it increases energy.
• Mentally and emotionally, it increases
self-esteem.
• Mentally, it sharpens alertness.
• Physically, it lowers blood pressure.
• Socially, it provides opportunities to
meet new people.
• Mentally and emotionally, it reduces
stress.
• Physically, improves muscle tone.
• Socially, it provides opportunities to
share common goal.

Body

As quoted from the Holy Scriptures... "What is

the use of gaining the world if you lose your soul?"
Indeed everything that we have worked for will be
rendered futile if we bade this world goodbye
permanently. That is because we have a shorter
lifespan. How can we probably enjoy these things that
we have worked for if our body could no longer afford
to feel as we have gotten physically sick and disable?
Hence, it is imperative to take very good care of our
own selves even at a younger age. One should be
conscious enough to maintain a healthy life span so as
to ensure perfect fitness in the midst of all these
temptations and unhealthy lifestyle that pervades every
society.

Fitness is the ability to perform one's usual

work without becoming overly stressed both physically
and mentally Considering the hectic schedules and
tiring activities that we undergo everyday, it is
inevitable not to lose much of our energy Additional
activities would mean inability to comply. Hence, to
maintain balance in our system and keep stored
strength, daily exercise should be observed.
5

CHAPTER 4 individual responds to environmental and psychological

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF events that are perceived as threatening or challenging.
PERSONALITY
When stress helps one to cope with change, it is
considered positive. It is also called 'eustress'. Such is
"Be happy. It's one way of being wise."
evident during a 'flight or fight' response when
- Collete-
physiological conditions acts up to produce 'adrenalin
rush' and speeds up heart rate to evade from dangerous
Psychological refers to the workings of the
situations. Stress may even motivate an individual to
mind. It may even be inferred as the mental or
perform at his best to meet a challenge or even surpass
intellectual aspect. Understanding of one's personality
his own limitations. A short term-emergency is not what
and make up implicates the indispensable role of the
we usually consider as stressful but long-term pressures
brain, which determines how one will perceive and
brought by heavy work-load, difficulty in commuting to
respond in the midst of given situations. Intelligence as
school, worry about financial problems and schedules,
defined in the American Heritage Dictionary is the
poor health, chronic illness, a nagging spouse and the
capacity to acquire and utilize knowledge. It reflects the
like.
ability of an individual to embrace learning through
experience and conditioning. Intelligence does not only
However, there are instances wherein stress
displays one's aptitude, potential and proficiency but it
becomes negative or unhealthy. It is an unpleasant
also portrays 'depth' of an individual's consciousness
stress that interferes with one's life and makes one
and understanding of concepts and realities as well. It
unhappy, dissatisfied and sick. Such is also known as
predominantly ascertains the insights possessed by a
'distress'. It is what many usually means when they
person.
refer to 'stress'. Stressors are the causes of distress.
The brain's soul, the mind is embroiled in
Often they result in illnesses such as heart attacks,
establishing the real 'persona' of an individual. The
tuberculosis, diabetes, leukemia and even accidents.
condition should be understood in the light of their
crucial role in a person's well-being.
Studies indicate that death of a spouse is one of
the single most stressful events anyone can experience.
As generally stated in the study of mental
Also very stressful are the death of a close relative, a
health, it is asserted that 'a sound mind is a product of a
major injury or illness, and divorce. Surprisingly, mere
sound body and a sound environment. Such implies the
changes in routine can be harmful. People who keep
role of the healthy body as well as a supportive and
changing shifts from day to night such as that done by
conducive environment. The same reason why mentally
'call center agents' causes high stress than those who
ill patients sometimes can't be cured by mere therapy
work on the same schedule. The disturbing of biological
and medications because of an environment that does
body rhythms takes a high toll.
not offer support that ensures not only 'peace of mind'
but ways to cope with their unfortunate situation.
Individuals may be affected by varied stressors
in different degrees. What may be stressful to one may
For a normal individual on the other hand, it is
not be the same to others. Stress is actually based on
imperative that coping skills be developed to effectively
the appraisal of the individual. However, minor
face and overcome the daily concerns of our challenging
accumulating daily hassles can cause minor irritations
lives, as we often say "each has his own battle to win".
that lead to serious stress and anxiety.
Everyday we are faced with usual and unusual tasks that
we need to accomplish. Our level of conscientiousness
Somewhat Stressful
will further gauge our endurance such that there are
some who 'take things for granted' and so we are never
 Arguing with a brother or sister
really concerned with the quality of their output.
 Going to a new school
Consequences are 'nothing' for them though it affects
 Getting glasses or braces
their performance appraisal or evaluation. Contrary to
 Moving to a new home
this are those people who take all things seriously.
 Arguing with a parent
Every bit of their work is something that has to be done
 Parent losing a job
perfectly and thoughtfully. Such thinking and behaving
 Worry over weight, height or acne
indicates levels of stress that arises as a result and such
 Getting arrested
could either be helpful or not in one's over all
psychological condition.
Extremely Stressful
What is Stress?
 Family member having a serious illness
 Loss or death of a pet Quitting or being
Stress is defined as a state of extreme difficulty,
suspended in school
pressure or strain. More so, it is understood as physical
 Starting to use alcohol/drugs Death of a
response to change and basically considered as a
loved one
normal part of being alive. According to Gatchel &
 Divorce or separation of parents
Baum (1983) stress is the process by which the
 Failing in school
6
 Getting in trouble in school
People react to stressors in different ways. If
you are fit then you can probably manage a fair amount
of frustration, delay, unfairness, misfortune in whatever
form. But accumulated woes can be disabling. Stresses
add up-and subtract from your ability to cope with
them. There are people who claim to thrive on stress,
but in all likelihood, they are not experiencing stress as
most of us understood the word. Such people generally
pride themselves on holding up under pressure; they
may even brag about it. But this zest gives away the
difference between them and ordinary folk. They are
among the fortunate few 'stress hardy' people who are
charged up by challenges, stirred to curiosity and action
by situations that leave the rest of them frustrated,
angry or weary. There are also thrill seekers such as
rock climbers who defy gravity, surfers who skim under
great breaking waves, sky divers who throw themselves
out onto a thin ocean of air. Indeed it is stressful but the
pleasures of accomplishment are strong and so there is
no damage to the body or spirit (Merki 1999).
To identify the causes of our stress would mean
understanding the ways by which we can cope with it.
Physiologically, according to Hans Selye, a pioneering
figure in the study of stress, stress can produce a variety
of extreme biological outcomes. He stated that as we
undergo stress, we move through three major stages:
alarm mobilization; resistance and exhaustion.
The alarm and mobilization stage represents
the body's first line of defense against a stressor. When
an organism is threatened by some stressor, it prepares
itself for battle. Whether it's physical or psychological,
the body's reaction is similar. Heartbeat and blood
pressure increase, muscles tense, sweating increases,
adrenalin production increases, and the organism
attempts to meet the challenge of the stressor.
STAGES
1. Alarm and Mobilization
2. Resistance Stage
3. Exhaustion Stage
The fight or flight response-when your body
responds to a stressor, certain physical reactions occur.
If the stressor continues, the next phase or
resistance stage is reached where people prepare to
fight the stressor, and they are generally able to cope
with the stress-producing situation.
If attempt to meet the demand of the stressor is
inadequate, or if they continue too long, then the final
stage is reached or the exhaustion stage is reached. This
is where a person's ability to cope with stress declines
to a point where the stressor is overwhelming. Almost
no one is able to maintain a normal existence under
continued high level of stress. If the stressor continues
unabated, the resultant stress leads ultimately to total
exhaustion-and to the eventuality of death (Felu.. 1999)
Managing Stress Effectively
Coping with STRESS
• Change your perceptions. Consider failures and
stressors as a beginning of something new.
Perceive it as a reawakening experience and a
way towards more opportunities;
• Alter your behavior. Leave or let go of the
stressor. If there is a need to change the nature
of your work or daily routine, so be it; try
something new that is challenging and
rejuvenating.
• Exercise or engage in sports. It may do well for
your resistance than a week-long vacation.
• Have a quiet time with yourself. Take a walk
along the beach or a park.
• Search for more information and learning.
Knowledge gives you more understanding of
the situation you are in. Learning more about a
situation can reduce the stress it produces.
• Relax - to control your physiological reactions to
stress. Reversing the physiological reactions of
stress may reduce stress itself. There is a need
to attempt to take control of the body's
physiological reactions. Such can actually be
done through Meditation to concentrate so
thoroughly on the stimulus that you become
unaware of outside stimulation, focusing
entirely on the inner experience. Following
about twenty minutes of meditation. People
typically feel refreshed, relaxed and less-
stressed (Feldman, 1999).
7

• Turn to others - Social support or the to and be better able to cope with the
knowledge that there are the 'significant others' stress you undergo.
who care and enable you to experience lower o Regression - Retreating to an earlier
levels of stress and to be better able to cope stage of reqme development;
with the stress you undergo. o Denial - Refusing to accept or perceive
• Think away stress meeting expectations and reality; and 100
always trying to comply with these level of o Fantasy-Gratifying one's desires by
competence increases you usual stress. imagining 05 am satisfying events and
Learning to deal with stress implies acceptance achievements.
and learning to deal constructively and
reasonably with stress. Here you get to control
yourself a lot better.
• Utilize some defense mechanisms these are
unconscious strategies people use to cope by
concealing stress and anxiety from themselves
and others. This is a way to protect yourself
from the threatening effects of stressors,
defense mechanisms are as follows:
o Repression - Pushing stressful, anxiety-
producing thoughts or impulses out of
conscious awareness;
o Suppression - Voluntarily attempting to
push unpleasant thoughts out of one's
consciousness;
o Displacement-Discharging negative
feelings or thoughts regarding a more
threatening, powerful person onto a
weaker one;
o Projection - Attributing one's
unacceptable ideas or thoughts to
others or blaming others;
o Rationalization Distorting reality
through justification of events; daily
routine, so be it; try something new
that is challenging and rejuvenating.
o Exercise or engage in sports. It may do
well for your resistance than a week-
long vacation.
o Have a quiet time with yourself. Take a
walk along the beach or a park.
o Search for more information and
learning. Knowledge gives you more
understanding of the situation you are
in. Learning more about a situation can
reduce the stress it produces.
o Relax to control your physiological
reactions to - stress. Reversing the
physiological reactions of stress may
reduce stress itself. There is a need to
attempt to take control of the body's
physiological reactions. Such can
actually be done through Meditation to
concentrate so thoroughly on the
stimulus that you become unaware of
outside stimulation, focusing entirely on
the inner experience. Following about
twenty minutes of meditation. People
typically feel refreshed, relaxed and
less-stressed (Feldman, 1999).
o Turn to others - Social support or the
knowledge that there are the
'significant others' who care enable you
to experience lower levels of stress and