Lesson 1: Physical Self
Module No. 1
III. Topics and Key Concepts
THE BIOLOGICAL BLUEPRINT
Physical Features
-crucial aspect of the self is one’s.
People are often recognized initially by their
physical features, including the face, bodily
structure, height, and weight.
However, more than the physical
attributes, people should also consider their
physical competencies, valuation of physical
worth and perception of beauty.
Physical Self
-shaped by biological and
environmental factors.
-however, is surrounded by issues
associated with health, hygiene, nutrition
and standards of beauty among others.
Am I beautiful? Do people find me
attractive? What can I do to enhance my
features? These questions concern the
physical self, which embodies one’s
appearance, what one sees in the mirror and
what often triggers a person’s first
impressions of another.
However, the physical self is not
only limited to what can be seen by the
naked eye; underneath the skin is a dynamic
system of biological and chemical processes
that contribute to one’s physical feature.
Body structure, height, weight, skin color,
hair color and other physical features. Body
structure, height, weight, skin color, and
other physical characteristic do not just
develop at random; these are triggered by
genetic transformations and biological
development through heredity.
Heredity
-defined as the transmission of traits
from parents to offspring.
Gene
-traits are made up of specific
information embedded within one’s gene
-the basic unit of heredity.
The manifestation of traits can be attributed
to the concepts of genotype and phenotype.
Genotype
-specific information embedded
within one’s genes; not all genotypes
translate to an observed physical
characteristic.
-can be determined through blood
testing
Phenotype
-physical expression of the particular
trait.
-can be directly observed.
Concept of Dominant and recessive genes.
To illustrate, imagine that a man who
has fair skin and a woman who has brown
skin produced a brown-skinned male
offspring. While you may assume that the
newborn inherited only the skin color of his
mom, a close examination of his genotype
may reveal that he also got the fair-skin
from his dad. The brown skin of the mother
was the dominant gene and that of his dad
was the recessive gene; thus, the former
manifested in the child. However, if the
child in the future marries a woman who has
a recessive gene are dependent on alleles,
which are alternate versions of a particular
gene. Since human cells carry two copies of
chromosomes, they have two version of
each gene.
Chromosomes
-each individual carries 23 pairs of
chromosomes,
-thread-like bodies in the nucleus of
the cell and the storage unit of genes.
Sex Chromosomes
-23rd pair of chromosomes
-determines the sex of an individual.
XX combination
-indicates a male
XY combination
-indicates female.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
-Within each chromosome is
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),
-nucleic acid that contains the
genetic instructions specifying the biological
development of every individual.
-considered the blueprint of life;
thus, no two individuals have the same
DNA.
This explains why DNA samples are
the most crucial material needed in
establishing paternity or maternity or
identifying a suspect in a crime. These
cellular components trigger the physical
growth and maturation of organisms, from
birth to adulthood.
Maturation
-known as the completion of growth
of a genetic character within an organism or
the unfolding of an individual’s inherent
traits or potential.
-enables people to walk, run and talk.
-also results in physical changes that
are evident in the adolescent stage.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING
While one’s genetic information
determines the extent of his or her physical
features, it is not the only factor that
influences the physical self. As you grow
up, you are exposed to environmental
influences the physical self, including those
from your social networks, societal
expectations and cultural practices.
Family
-being your first social group forms a
crucial foundation of your development,
including that of your physical self.
-aside from factors of heredity, your
family is also primarily responsible for now.
You take care of your body.
Nutrition and sustenance were initially
established by what was cooked in the
home. Thus, your food intake and diet are
often determined by the meals you were
served. Aside from food, practices on
hygiene were first transmitted by your
parents.
As you grow older, you are exposed
to a larger social group with new practices
and standards. You become more conscious
of your physical appearance. As time goes
on, you begin to take note of your height,
weight, facial features and other physical
characteristics in comparison to your peers,
especially during adolescence. As a result,
you may begin engaging in acts that would
make attractive and acceptable to others. For
some girls, these include choosing the right
outfit, wearing the right make-up, and acting
more feminine. On the other hand, boys may
begin to have facial hair, learn how to shave,
go to gym and do other similar activities.
Person’s body type
-one aspect of physical beauty.
Contemporary medial has portrayed slim
bodies as the ideal body type for women and
muscular bodies for men. Thus, adolescents
indulge in activities that would enable them
to achieve these ideal body types. For some,
these activities involve having healthy
lifestyle, eating right food and engaging in
sports. However, some adolescents may
resort to unhealthy habits just to achieve
their ideal body type. There has been a
steady rise of teenagers who have eating
disorders, including bulimia and anorexia
nervosa. This phenomenon could be
attributed to the obsession of being thin, and
may also be triggered by family, peers and
significant role models. Majority of the
victims have been identified as females, but
a significant number are still represented by
males. Aside from eating problems, a
substantial number have been resorting to
cosmetic surgery to alter certain facial or
body features, even among adolescents.
While medical professionals do not forbid
such practices, there have been extreme
cases of these procedures causing negative
life-altering consequences. It is important to
remember that physical beauty is only skin-
deep; that what matters is feeling good about
oneself and embracing a healthy perception
of one’s physical worth.
ACHIEVING PHYSICAL WELL-
BEING
There is nothing wrong with
enhancing one’s physical self. What is
problematic is when a person focuses too
much on physical beauty and disregards
everything else. Below are some tips in
taking care of yourself and your body:
1. Healthy eating – you need to eat
the right amount and combination of food to
ensure your health and sustenance.
Following a healthy diet result in healthy
skin, ideal weight, and better stamina.
2. Embracing a healthy lifestyle –
avoid drinking, smoking, and doing other
unhealthy habits to reduce the risk of illness
and diseases and to make your immune
system stronger. Physical activities such as
walking, running, going to the gym and
engaging in sports also contribute to a
healthier body.
3. Maintaining proper hygiene –
Taking care of your body by consistently
following a hygiene regimen can also help
you feel good about yourself
4. Being confident – self-confidence
is your best make-up and results in optimal
physical well-being. Be secure in yourself,
embrace a positive outlook toward various
situation and problems, and love and accept
who you are.
Lesson 2: Sexual Self
Module No. 2
This module tackles one of the most
crucial aspects of the human developmental
factors that shape sexual development. Tips
on regulating sexual behavior are also
provided.
THE SOCIO-BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS
OF THE SELF
Sexual Self
-vital aspect of one’s identity
-encompassing the biological,
physical, emotional, and social domains.
While it is initially rooted in the
distinguishing physical attributes found in
men (penis) and women (vagina), bodily
transformations and the development of
secondary sexual characteristics during
adolescence also trigger the physiological
responses, leading to beliefs and behaviors
associated with sex. During this stage,
sexual curiosity is often at its peak, with
adolescents engaging in sexual activity as
influenced by biological and socio-cultural
factors. Further, the gender orientation of the
adolescent may manifest at this stage. Thus,
it is important for a person to be aware of his
or her sexuality, thoughts, and behavior, in
order to make responsible choices
concerning one’s sexual self.
THE BIOLOGY OF SEX
Sexual Genital
-at birth, it is a biological feature that
distinguishes males from females.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
-moreover, during puberty,
observable changes in the human body also
begin.
For males, the changes include
growth of facial and bodily hair, emergence
of Adam’s apple, deepening of voice and
muscle development. In the Philippines, the
practice of circumcision is considered a rite
of passage to adulthood among young men.
For females, the onset of
menstruation and noticeable changes in the
hips, breast, and skin underlie the sexual
changes during this developmental change.
Aside from these observable changes, the
release of hormones (testosterone for male
and estrogen for female) triggers
physiological changes in the reproductive
system. Thus, at this stage, males and
females start to become capable of
procreation, males start producing sperm
while females begin producing egg cells.
When physiological changes are
triggered within the adolescent’s
reproductive system, he or she is likely to
experience sexual urges, become more
sensitive to sexual stimuli and feel sexual
arousal.
If sexual arousal is satisfied through
sexual intercourse, orgasm would be
reached.
The refractory period, or the
period of the rest after orgasm is reached, is
likely to be longer in men. Thus, woman can
achieve multiple orgasms due to a shorter
refractory period.
These physiological sensations are
part of the sexual response cycle, which
includes four phases: excitement, plateau,
orgasm, and resolution. Completing the
cycle leads to sexual satisfaction.
Humans are likely to engage in
sexual activities to satisfy sexual urges.
However, the kind of sexual activities they
engage in may vary. During adolescence
stage, it is common to watch and read
pornographic materials, engage in kissing
and petting and perform masturbation.
Medical professionals have cited the health
benefits of masturbation, including stress
relief, better sleep, improved self-esteem,
and enhanced body image. Further,
masturbation is a better alternative to sexual
intercourse, which may result to unwanted
pregnancy or acquiring sexually transmitted
diseases.
A person should be aware of his or her
sexuality and sexual attributes in order to
make responsible decisions. Adolescents
need to realize the importance of having
informed choices. Engaging in sexual
activities may result in consequences that
they may not be ready for.
SEXUAL IDENTITY AND GENDER
ORIENTATION
At birth, one’s sexuality depends on
his or her physical features and genitals.
Most of the time, one’s sexuality and gender
orientation correspond with each other.
However, biological sex and gender
orientation are two different things.
Biological sex
-one’s assignment upon birth and is
dependent on physical and physiological
features.
Gender
-identity that is learned and
embraced by the individual. This goes
beyond biological domains and is both a
personal and social construct.
-is anchored on societal beliefs and
norms.
As a social construct, gender
comprises the socially created roles,
personality traits, attitudes, behaviors, and
values attributed to men and women. It also
includes the relative power and influence of
each, indicating that gender is relational and
refers them not simply to women or men but
to the relationship between them.
Gender roles
-societal expectations of how men
and women should act.
Everyone has a basic idea of gender roles:
men are assumed to be strong and dominant
while women are perceived to be submissive
and demure.
Aside from the problems with these
assumption, gender and biological sex are
not always the same. A person may not have
been born a man but assumes “womanly”
traits while a woman may behave like a
“man.” This is an aspect of sexual
orientation, which manifests itself in
relationships. An umbrella term for people
whose gender identity and/or expression is
different from cultural expectations based on
the sex they were assigned at birth. Being
transgender does not imply any specific
sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender
people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian,
bisexual, etc.
 Sexual identity and gender
orientation underlie one’s concept of self. A
person expresses his or her sexuality through
individuality; one’s beliefs and behavioral
lifestyle are based on his or her own
perception of sexuality. However, while
gender orientation and sexual identity are
deemed to be social constructs, it is
important to highlight one’s self-expression
and moreover, become responsible in doing
so. This responsibility also applies to
expressing one’s beliefs about sex, gender
and behavior. It should be noted that one’s
behavior in various situations entails
consequences. An individual needs to realize
the effects of such actions and how one can
regulate his or her own behavior, including
his or her sexual behavior.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL
CHOICE
Sexual intercourse, copulation,
-male reproductive act in which the
male organ enters the female reproductive
organ.
-adolescent couples who engage in
sexual intercourse are usually overwhelmed
by the sensation they feel during the act.
In addition, most teenagers who have
sex with their partners often rationalize the
act by claiming that they “love each other”
and are “ready to be committed to each
other” however, if the woman is fertile
during the time of intercourse, pregnancy is
likely to occur, and it lasts approximately
nine months before and should not merely
be consequence of an impulsive moment.
Physical risks to having an early
pregnancy may impact an adolescent’s
development, including miscarriage,
emotional stress and health risks to both
mother and infant. Further, early pregnancy
may result in the mother dropping out of
school, alienation, and females; males are
also burdened by the responsibility of caring
for a new child and his partner, and may also
face the same problems as the female.
Aside from pregnancy, another
consequence of impulsive and careless
sexual intercourse is the risk of acquiring
sexually transmitted disease (STDs). While
most of them can be treated and cured,
STDs may have long-term consequences to
one’s health. These diseases are passed
through the exchange of bodily fluids or
genital contact. Among the common STDs
are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and
genital warts.
Symptoms include a burning
sensation during urination, warts and sores
in the genital and mouth areas, pus,
abnormal and smelly discharge, genital
irritation, and painful bowel movements.
Treatment may entail medication and, in
some cases, surgery. However, there are
cases when these diseases may affect one’s
reproductive functions and worse, may lead
to death.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS)
-most alarming sexually transmitted
disease caused by the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
-can be transmitted by contact
between broken skin, wounds or mucous
membranes and HIB-infected blood or
blood-contaminated body fluid.
Usually, it spreads through
unprotected sexual contact with an infected
person, as well as through pregnancy,
breastfeeding, sharing injecting equipment Being future-oriented – instead of focusing
or contaminated blood transfusion. on the present, a person should always
Untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS, weigh his or her present actions with
which compromises the immune system and possible consequences in the future. Sexual
puts the person at risk of illness and death. pleasure might be overwhelming at the
In its early stages, HIB has no symptoms. moment but always focus on what entails in
Once the illness has progressed, the infected the future.
person may develop fever, rashes and sores.
In its final stage, a person with AIDS may
suffer from a variety of illnesses, including
pneumonia and cancer. At the moment, there
remains no cure for HIV and AIDS.
How does one acquire a sexually
transmitted disease? STDs are prevalent
among individuals who engage in
unprotected sex with multiple partners.
Irresponsible sexual behavior often results in
dire consequences that have significant
impact on people’s lives and futures. Aside
from health risks, STDs may also ruin
relationships, create a negative stigma
against the person, and risk other aspects of
one’s social life.
Thus, it is important that everyone
makes responsible decision with regards to
sexuality and sexual behavior. Responsible
sexual behavior entails the following:

Respect for one’s body – it means taking

care of one’s body and avoiding activities
that undermine one’s worth and respect.

Maturity in thoughts and deeds – it refers

to being objective, rational and calm, instead
of being swept by one’s emotions.

Being guided by one’s personal belief and

core values – everyone, especially an
adolescent, should always be grounded by
his or her personal principles and self-worth.