The Physical Self: The Biological Blueprint
Avoiding
Heredity- defined as “the transformation of traits
from parents to offspring.”
Genotype- refers to the specific information
imbedded within our genes; not all genotypes
translate to an observed physical characteristic
Phenotype- is the physical expression of a
particular trait. Genotype can only be
determined through blood testing but one’s
phenotype can be directly observed.
The 23rd pair, also known as sex chromosome,
determine the sex of an individual. The XY is for
males while the XX if for females.
DNA- Within each chromosome
is the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is a
nucleus acid that contains the genetic
instructions specifying the unique blueprint of an
individual’s physical features; thus, no two
individuals have the same DNA.
Maturation- completion of genetic character within
an organism or the unfolding of an individual’s
inherent traits or potential completion of genetic
character within an organism or the unfolding of
an individual’s inherent traits or potential.
The Physical Self: Environmental
Conditioning
While our genetic information determine
the extent of our physical features, it is not
the only factor that influences our physical self. As
we grown, we are exposed to environmental
influences that shape our physical self, including
those from our social networks, societal
expectations, and cultural practices.
Family, being our first social group, forms
a crucial foundation of our development,
including that of our physical self. Aside from
factors of heredity, our family is also primarily
responsible for how we take care of our bodies.
Our nutrition and sustenance we initially
establish by what was cooked in the home.
The Physical Self: Achieving Physical Well-
being
How do we take care of
ourselves and our body? Here are just some tips:
1. Healthy eating. We need to have the right
combination of food to ensure our health
and sustenance. Having the right diet will result in
healthy skin, ideal weight, and better
stamina.
2. Embracing a healthy lifestyle.
drinking, smoking, and other unhealthy habits
would reduce the risk of illness and diseases and
make your immune system stronger.
Physical activities such as walking, running, going
to the gym, and sports would also
contribute to a healthier body.
3. Having the right hygiene. Taking care of our
body by maintaining a hygiene regimen
can also help in making us feel good about
ourselves.
4. Confidence in ourselves is our best make-up.
Being secure in ourselves, embracing a
positive outlook toward various situations and
problems, and loving and accepting who
we are will surely result in an optimal physical
well-being.
THE SEXUAL SELF
Sexuality
There are means through which sexuality
is experienced. From childhood to old
age, by means of body, through roles in life, by
means of beliefs, and through
relationships. Young people are very interested in
sexual orientation and sexuality
It’s something in the nature and nurture.
They go a lot of experimentation to understand
and verify their sexuality. And because of this,
there are some who has high “risk-taking
behaviors”.
Sexual Concepts:
1. Gender identity – in the mind
2. Sexual Orientation – to whom are you
sexually attracted
3. Gender expression – how you move and what
you wear
4. Biological sex – depends on hormones and
genetalia
Sexual orientation is a dynamic spectrum and
may change through time. For instance, as time
goes by, a person may: stay as heterosexual,
predominantly heterosexual, occasionally
homosexual, bisexual or predominantly
heterosexual, occasionally heterosexual always
homosexual. They go through a process of
discovery, as they are uncertain.
Happiness in relationship
 good relations
 loving each other
Happiness in physical/ sexual relationship
 Lust
  satisfaction the hips, breast, and skin underlie sexual
 orgasm changes during this developmental stage. Aside
from these observable
changes in males and females, release of
Free from diseases hormones (testosterone for males and oestrogen
for females) trigger physiological changes in the
 sexually transmitted diseases
reproductive system. Thus, this stage, males and
 HIV-AIDS
females are capable of procreation; males are
Acceptance and respect from the society, and capable of producing sperm while females begin
productive lives producing eggs.

 industry Sexual Self: Sexual Identity and Gender

 life’s direction Orientation
 contribution to the society
There are four (4) areas of sexuality:
(1) physical
(2) emotional
(3) psychological
(4) spiritual
The Body, Sexuality and the Self
Focus on the Body
A vital aspect of one’s identity is the sexual,
encompassing 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 development of secondary
sexual characteristics during adolescence would
eventually trigger physiological response, lading
to beliefs and behavior associated with sex.
During the adolescence stage, sexual curiosity is
often at its peak, with adolescents engaging in
sexual activity as a result of biological and socio-
cultural forces at work.
Further, this stage sets the tone for the gender of
one’s sexuality, his/her thoughts and behavior, in
order to make responsible choices concerning
one’s sexual self.
Sexual Self: The Biology of Sex
At birth, sex is a biological feature that
distinguishes males from females. Aside from the
external genitals (penis for male and vagina for
females), there are observable changes in the
human body that begin during puberty and
adolescence, known as secondary sexual
characteristics. For males, this would include
outgrowth of facial and bodily hair, the emerging
Adam’s apple, deepening of the voice, and
muscle development. Moreover, here in the
Philippines, the practice of circumcision is
considered a rite of passage to adulthood among
young men. For females, the onset of menarche
(first menstruation), and noticeable changes in