MODULE 6 SEXUAL SELF communication to ensure safe and healthy

exploration of one's sexuality.

The Socio-Biological Aspects of the Self - a vital aspect
● Gender orientation, also known as gender
of one's identity is the sexual self, encompassing the
identity, is an individual's internal sense and
biological, physical, emotional, and social domains. This
understanding of their own gender. It refers to
means that one's understanding of their own sexuality
how a person identifies in terms of being a
is a significant part of who they are, and it is influenced
man, a woman, both, neither, or somewhere
by various factors, including biology, physical
along the gender spectrum. Gender orientation
characteristics, emotions, and society.
is a deeply personal aspect of a person's
identity and may or may not align with their
It is initially rooted in the distinguishing physical
biological sex. It can influence how individuals
attributes found in men (penis) and women (vagina). In
express themselves, relate to others, and
the beginning, our understanding of our sexual self
navigate societal expectations related to
often starts with the physical differences between
gender roles and behaviors. Understanding and
males and females, like the presence of a penis in
accepting one's gender orientation is an
males and a vagina in females.
important aspect of self-discovery and overall
well-being.
During this stage, SEXUAL CURIOSITY is often at its
peak, with adolescents engaging in sexual activity as
influenced by biological and socio-cultural factors. This
means that during adolescence, people often become
very curious about sex, and this curiosity can lead them
to explore sexual activities. This curiosity is influenced
by both biological changes in their bodies and societal
factors that shape their views on sex and relationships.

Further, the GENDER ORIENTATION of the adolescent

may manifest at this stage. Adolescents may also start
to understand their gender orientation or how they
identify in terms of being a man, woman, or
somewhere along the gender spectrum during this
period.
● Sexual curiosity refers to the natural interest
and desire to learn about and explore aspects
of human sexuality. It often arises during
adolescence when individuals become more
aware of their own bodies and experience
growing interest in sexual topics and
experiences. Sexual curiosity is a normal part
of development and can lead to learning and
self-discovery about one's sexual preferences
and desires. It's essential to approach sexual
curiosity with education and open
The biology of sex and sexual behavior plays a
significant role in human development, especially
during adolescence:
Sexual Genitals: At birth, the primary biological feature
that distinguishes males from females is their sexual
genitals (penis for males and vagina for females).
Secondary Sexual Characteristics: During puberty,
observable physical changes called secondary sexual
characteristics emerge. For example, in the Philippines,
male circumcision is often seen as a rite of passage,
and for females, the onset of menstruation is a
significant sign of adolescence.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Males and feeling sexual arousal. Arousal can manifest as
● Facial and Body Hair penile erection in males and vaginal lubrication in
● Deeper Voice females. Sexual arousal, when satisfied through sexual
● Muscle Development intercourse, can lead to orgasm.
● Adam's Apple
● Broader Shoulders Sexual Activities: Adolescents often engage in sexual
activities to satisfy their sexual urges. Masturbation is
Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Females: considered a healthy alternative as it offers stress
● Breast Development relief, better sleep, improved self-esteem, and a
● Wider Hips reduced risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted
● Menstruation diseases compared to sexual intercourse.
● Voice Changes
● Body Hair Consequences of Sexual Choice: Sexual intercourse
(copulation) carries the potential for pregnancy and the
risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Adolescents often rationalize their sexual activities by
claiming love and commitment to each other. However,
if the woman is fertile, pregnancy can occur, lasting
approximately nine months before childbirth.
● STDs: Impulsive and careless sexual intercourse
can result in STDs, including syphilis,
gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, and
HIV/AIDS. STDs are transmitted through the
exchange of body fluids or genital contact and
may have long-term health consequences.
● HIV/AIDS: The most alarming STD is HIV/AIDS,
caused by the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS,
compromising the immune system and causing
various illnesses.

How STDs are Acquired:

● Unprotected sex with multiple partners.
● Irresponsible sexual behavior.

Adolescents should be aware of their sexuality and

make responsible choices. Responsible sexual behavior
includes:
Hormonal Changes: Hormones like testosterone in 1. Respect for One's Body: Taking care of one's
males and estrogen in females trigger physiological body and avoiding activities that undermine
changes in the reproductive system. Males start self-worth and respect.
producing sperm, and females begin producing eggs, 2. Guidance by Personal Beliefs and Values:
making them capable of procreation. Grounding decisions in personal principles and
self-worth.
Sexual Urges: During puberty, adolescents experience
sexual urges, becoming more sensitive to sexual stimuli
 3. Maturity in Thoughts and Deeds: Being
objective, rational, and calm rather than driven
by emotions.
4. Being Future-Oriented: Considering the
possible consequences of actions in the future
rather than focusing solely on present
pleasure.
Sexual identity and gender roles are important
aspects of human identity, and they are often shaped
by societal beliefs and norms. Here's a breakdown of
these concepts:
Sex and Gender:
● Biological Sex: This is the classification
assigned to a person at birth based on their
physical features and anatomy. It typically falls
into categories such as male, female, or
intersex.
● Gender: Gender is an identity that is learned
and embraced by an individual. It is one's
internal sense of self and identity, which may
or may not align with their assigned biological
sex.
● Gender Expression: This is how an individual
outwardly shows their gender identity,
encompassing aspects like clothing, hairstyle,
makeup, and social cues like name and
pronoun choice. It can take various forms,
including masculine, feminine, and
androgynous.
Gender as a Social Construct:
● Gender is considered a social construct, which
means it's a concept created and perpetuated
by society. It includes roles, personality traits,
attitudes, behaviors, and values that are
attributed to men and women. It also involves
the relative power and influence of each
gender, highlighting the relational aspect of
gender.
Gender Roles:
● Gender roles are societal expectations of how
men and women should behave. Traditionally,
men have been expected to be strong and
dominant, while women have been expected
to be submissive and demure. However, it's
essential to recognize that these assumptions
don't always align with an individual's gender
identity or expression.
Sexual Identity and Gender Orientation:
● Sexual identity and gender orientation are
fundamental aspects of self-concept. Sexual
identity refers to how a person expresses their
individuality, beliefs, and behavioral lifestyle
related to their sexuality. Gender orientation
involves understanding and embracing one's
gender identity.
Responsibility and Consequences:
● It's crucial for individuals to be responsible in
expressing their beliefs and behaviors
regarding sex and gender. Actions have
consequences, and individuals need to
understand the potential effects of their
behavior, including their sexual behavior, on
themselves and others.
Gender Expression:
● Gender expression includes both physical and
social expressions of one's gender identity.
These expressions can encompass clothing,
hairstyle, makeup, and the choice of a name
and pronouns. Examples of gender expressions
include masculine, feminine, and androgynous.
Sexual Orientation:
● Sexual orientation describes to whom a person
is sexually attracted. For example, a
heterosexual person is attracted to the
opposite sex (a guy attracted to girls), while a
homosexual person is attracted to the same
sex.
Carl Rogers' Theory of Self and Self-Actualization:
MODULE 4 PSYCHOLOGICAL
PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF
The study of one's identity, including cognitive,
conative (volitional), and affective (emotional) aspects,
reveals that the concept of self is multifaceted and
comprises several key components:
Rogers identified three components of self-concept:
1. Self-Awareness: Self-awareness involves
having a clear perception of your personality,
which includes understanding your strengths,
weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivations,
and emotions. It also allows you to be aware of
how other people perceive you and how your
attitude and responses affect your interactions
with them.
2. Self-Esteem: Self-esteem is a person's
self-concept, reflecting how they see
themselves. It is closely linked to self-worth
and self-acceptance.
3. Self-Knowledge: Self-knowledge is connected
to the cognitive aspect of the self. It involves
the motives that drive us to gain a better
understanding of our own self-concept and
ensure that it accurately represents our true
self.
4. Self-Perception: Self-perception occurs when
people develop attitudes about themselves
without accessing their internal cognition and
mood states. It's a way in which we form
perceptions of ourselves based on our external
behaviors and interactions.
● Carl Rogers believed that the self is the inner
personality, influenced by life experiences. He
emphasized that each individual has unique
potential and should develop according to their
own personality.
● According to Rogers, a fully functioning person
is one who achieves self-actualization, a state
where they have realized their potential.
● He stressed the importance of the
environment providing genuineness,
acceptance, and empathy to support personal
growth.
● Individuals need to work towards achieving
their goals, wishes, and desires to attain
self-actualization.
● Self-Worth (Self-Esteem): It is what individuals
think about themselves and is developed in
early childhood through interactions with
parents.
● Self-Image (Real Self): This component
represents how individuals see themselves,
including the influence of their body image on
their inner personality. It affects thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors.
● Ideal Self: The ideal self is the person an
individual aspires to be, consisting of goals and
ambitions in life. It is ever-changing and
reflects one's desires and aspirations.
Rogers introduced the concept of "congruence," where
a person's ideal self may or may not align with their
real experiences and self-image. In an ideal situation,
individuals want their thoughts, emotions, and
behaviors to be consistent with their self-concept and
ideal self.
To achieve personal growth and self-actualization,
Rogers outlined six practices:
1. Living Consciously: Being aware of daily
activities, relationships, insecurities, and
personal priorities.
2. Self-Acceptance: Acknowledging and accepting
both the positive and negative aspects of
oneself.
3. Self-Responsibility: Recognizing personal
responsibility for one's choices and actions.
4. Self-Assertiveness: Acting in alignment with
one's true convictions and feelings.
5. Living Purposefully: Pursuing personal goals
that give life meaning and purpose.
6. Personal Integrity: Ensuring that behavior
aligns with one's ideals and beliefs, promoting
a sense of integrity.
Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development
is a significant aspect of his work, explaining how
individuals go through various stages of development,
each associated with specific challenges and erogenous
zones (areas of the body that are a source of pleasure).
The successful resolution of these challenges
contributes to the development of a mature
personality. However, if these challenges are not
adequately resolved, individuals may become "fixated"
in a particular stage, affecting their adult behavior and
personality.
FIXATION is an unhealthy attachment in adult life to
one of these erogenous zones, where the adult subject
remains 'stuck' in an earlier stage of sexual
development.
LIBIDO refers to the energy of the sexual drive as a
component of the life instinct.
Here's an overview of Freud's five psychosexual
stages of development:
1. Oral Stage (Birth-18 months): In this stage, the
mouth is the source of pleasure, and
challenges may relate to breastfeeding and
weaning. Fixation in this stage can lead to
oral-focused behaviors in adulthood, both
literally (e.g., overeating, smoking) and
metaphorically (e.g., dependency, neediness).
2. Anal Stage (18 months- 3 years): Pleasure is
associated with the anus, and the main
challenge is toilet training. If toilet training is
mishandled, fixation may result in adulthood,
leading to traits like compulsion, tidiness, and a
reluctance to part with possessions, both
literally and metaphorically.
3. Phallic Stage (3-8 years): This stage involves a
shift in pleasure focus to the genitals.
Significant challenges are encountered, and
fixation can result in issues. For boys, the
Oedipus Complex is central to this stage, where
they have sexual feelings for their mother and
may experience rivalry with their father. The
fear of castration and the subsequent
identification with the father are key
components of resolving this complex. For
girls, a similar concept, known as the Electra
Complex, is suggested, but it has received less
attention in Freud's work.
4. Latency Period (8 years-puberty): During this
phase, sexual feelings and impulses are
repressed, and there is minimal sexual activity.
Children focus on hobbies, school, and
friendships.
5. Genital Stage (Puberty-adulthood): The genital
stage emerges during puberty and continues
into adulthood. In this stage, individuals
experience a resurgence of sexual feelings.
Healthy adults find pleasure in sexual
 relationships as well as other aspects of life,
including work and social interactions.
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is a
prominent psychological theory that focuses on an
individual's development across the lifespan. This
theory is based on the idea that human development
unfolds through a series of distinct stages, each
characterized by a unique psychosocial crisis or
challenge. Successful resolution of these crises leads to
healthy psychological development, while unresolved
conflicts can result in difficulties in subsequent stages.
Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development is a
fundamental framework for understanding how
children and adolescents develop their intellectual
abilities and understanding of the world. Piaget
proposed that cognitive development occurs in a series
of stages, and each stage is marked by distinct changes
in a child's capacity to think and understand.
Here's an overview of Piaget's four stages of cognitive
development:
1. Sensorimotor Stage (Birth to 2 years): During
the sensorimotor stage, infants explore and
learn about the world primarily through their
senses and motor activities. Key characteristics
of this stage include:
● If they can’t see something then it
doesn’t exist
● Early in this stage, infants have
difficulty distinguishing between
themselves and the environment.
● They begin to grasp cause-and-effect
relationships.
● As the stage progresses, infants
develop the ability to follow objects
with their eyes.
2. Preoperational Stage (2 to 7 years): In the
preoperational stage, children continue to
develop their cognitive abilities, particularly in
language and symbolic representation. Key
features of this stage include:
● Improved speech and communication
skills.
● Basic numerical abilities, but a limited
understanding of complex
mathematical concepts.
● Egocentrism, meaning children tend to
view the world from their perspective
and have difficulty considering other
points of view.
● Difficulty understanding the
conservation of matter (the idea that
the quantity of a substance remains
the same even if its appearance
changes).
● Challenges in distinguishing between
fantasy and reality.
 3. Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 years):
The concrete operational stage is characterized
by an improved ability to think logically and
understand concrete concepts. Key aspects of
this stage include:
● The development of abstract reasoning
abilities and the capacity to generalize
from concrete experiences.
● A better understanding of the
conservation of matter.
● An enhanced ability to solve concrete
problems using logical thinking.
4. Formal Operational Stage (12 to 15 years and
beyond): The formal operational stage is
marked by advanced cognitive development.
Key features of this stage include:
● The ability to think about and reason
through hypothetical situations.
● The capacity to form and test
hypotheses.
● Improved skills in organizing and
processing information.
● The ability to think scientifically and
engage in abstract reasoning.
Emotion is a complex and integral aspect of human
experience that plays a significant role in shaping how
individuals think, behave, and relate to the world and
others. Here is an explanation of emotion, feelings, and
moods:
1. Emotion
● Emotion is a biological experience and
response that originates as sensations
in the body.
● It represents intense feelings such as
exhilaration, terror, or despair and
tends to be relatively short-lived,
typically lasting seconds to minutes.
● Emotions are generated by the release
of chemicals in the brain in response to
external triggers or events. These
chemicals create a feedback loop
between the body and the brain,
resulting in the experience of emotion.
● Emotions are specific, based on external
stimuli, and often accompanied by universal
facial expressions and body language. For
example, happiness may be expressed with a
smile, while fear may lead to widened eyes.
● Emotions are often considered the body's
response to the events or circumstances
happening around an individual.
2. Feelings
● Feelings can be defined as the mental
portrayal of what is happening in the
body when experiencing an emotion.
They are the cognitive interpretation
or perception of emotions.
● Feelings are subjective experiences
that frame how individuals interpret
and understand their emotional states.
● While emotions are rooted in the
body's physical response to stimuli,
feelings are the conscious, mental
responses to those physical sensations.
● Feelings are influenced by thoughts,
beliefs, and past experiences, and they
help individuals make sense of their
emotional experiences.
● They can be influenced and shaped by
the stories and narratives people
create based on their past events and
personal interpretations.
3. Mood
● A mood is an affective state that is
different from specific emotions or
feelings. It is characterized by being
less intense and less tied to a particular
trigger or stimulus.
● Moods have a more general and
enduring quality, often described as
having a positive or negative valence.
● Unlike emotions, moods can be
influenced by various factors such as
the environment, physical health, diet,
exercise, and cognitive processes.
 ● Moods tend to last longer than
emotions, extending for minutes,
hours, or even days. They may not
have unique, corresponding nonverbal
facial expressions or body language, as
emotions do.
Emotions are complex psychological experiences with
various components, and they serve crucial functions
in human behavior and interpersonal relationships.
Here's a breakdown of the emotional components,
categories of theories explaining emotions, sources of
emotions and moods, functions of emotions,
emotional intelligence, and emotion regulation:
● Subjective Feeling Component: This
component represents the subjective
experience of emotions, where an individual
simply feels and becomes aware of the
emotion.
● Action Tendency Component: Once an
emotion is identified, the body prepares to
take action. Emotions can trigger specific
behavioral responses.
● Appraisal Component: Emotions involve a
cognitive analysis of the situation or stimulus
that triggered them. Individuals assess the
circumstances, actions, environments, or
people causing the emotion.
● Motor Component: This component relates to
how individuals express their emotions
through various forms of communication, such
as facial expressions, hand gestures, body
movements, and vocalizations.
● Physiological Component: This component
supports all other components and involves
the chemical and physiological reactions that
occur in the body when experiencing an
emotion.
Categories of Theories of Emotions:
● Physiological Theories: These theories propose
that bodily responses and physiological
changes are responsible for the experience of
emotions.
● Neurological Theories: Neurological theories
suggest that specific brain activities and
processes give rise to emotional responses.
● Cognitive Theories: Cognitive theories argue
that thoughts, beliefs, and other mental
activities play a fundamental role in shaping
and interpreting emotions.
● Social Theories: Social theories posit that
emotions are intrinsically linked to social
interactions and occur within the context of
social settings and relationships.
Sources of Emotions and Moods:
1. Personality: Individual differences in
personality traits can influence emotional
reactions.
2. Day of the Week and Time of Day: Emotions
and moods can vary based on the time and
day, influenced by factors such as fatigue and
routine.
3. Weather: Weather conditions can affect mood
and emotional states.
4. Stress: High levels of stress can lead to
emotional fluctuations and mood changes.
5. Social Activity: Interactions with others and
social experiences can impact emotional
well-being.
6. Sleep: Sleep quality and duration can
significantly influence one's emotional state.
Functions of Emotions:
● Adaptive: Emotions prepare the body for
action and serve as a crucial survival
mechanism. Each emotion has its own
function, whether it's preparing for danger,
seeking rewards, or addressing social needs.
● Social: Emotions serve as a means of
communication, expressing one's internal state
of mind, and facilitating social interactions and
connections with others.
● Motivational: Emotions and motivation are
interconnected. Emotions can motivate
behavior and influence the pursuit of goals and
desires.
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify
and manage one's own emotions and those of others.
It encompasses skills such as emotional awareness, the
application of emotions to tasks like problem-solving,
and the regulation of emotions to adapt to different
situations.
● emotional awareness, or the ability to identify
and name one’s own emotions
● the ability to harness those emotions and
apply them to tasks like thinking and problem
solving;
● the ability to manage emotions, which
includes both regulating one’s own emotions
when necessary and helping others to do the
same.

Emotion regulation is the ability to effectively manage

and respond to emotional experiences. People use
various emotion regulation strategies to cope with
challenging situations. Effective emotion regulation
involves:

● How to effectively manage your emotions

● Awareness: Recognizing and understanding
one's emotions.
● Discover the “why” of emotions: Identifying
the reasons behind emotions.
● What Is the Solution?, Exploring ways to
address emotional challenges.
● Choose How You Want to React: Deliberately
selecting responses to emotional experiences.
MODULE 5 PHYSICAL SELF
Physical features play a significant role in shaping one's
identity, and they are influenced by both biological and
environmental factors. Questions regarding the
physical self often revolve around attractiveness and
appearance, triggering concerns about beauty
enhancement. The physical self goes beyond visible
characteristics, involving intricate biological processes
shaped by genetics and heredity.
Heredity and Genetic Influence:
● Heredity: The transmission of traits from
parents to offspring.
● Genes: The basic unit of heredity, carrying
information that determines traits.
● Genotype: Specific information within one's
genes.
● Phenotype: The physical expression of a
particular trait.
The 23 pairs of chromosomes, including the 23rd pair
determining sex, contain DNA, considered the
blueprint of life. Maturation signifies the completion of
genetic growth and the unfolding of inherent traits.
Environmental Conditioning:
● Family Influence: Families influence nutrition,
hygiene practices, and overall care.
● Social Networks: Exposure to a larger social
group introduces new practices and standards.
● Cultural Practices: Societal expectations and
cultural norms contribute to shaping the
physical self.
Body Image and Beauty Standards:
● Body Type: Contemporary media often
portrays slim bodies as ideal for women and
muscular bodies for men.
● Adolescent Activities: Adolescents engage in
activities to achieve ideal body types, including
healthy lifestyles, sports, and grooming
practices.
● Unhealthy Habits: Some resort to unhealthy
habits, such as eating disorders, cosmetic
surgery, or extreme measures, to conform to
societal standards.
Tips for Physical Well-being:
● Healthy Eating: Consume the right amount and
combination of food for health and
sustenance.
● Healthy Lifestyle: Avoid unhealthy habits like
drinking and smoking to reduce the risk of
illness and strengthen the immune system.
● Proper Hygiene: Follow a consistent hygiene
regimen to care for your body.
● Self-Confidence: Embrace self-confidence as
the best makeup for optimal physical
well-being.