UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

CHAPTER II
UNPACKING THE SELF

Unit 1: PHYSICAL SELF: THE BEAUTIFUL ME

From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic makeup, i. e, sex chromosomes. It also
influences the way we treat ourselves and others. On the contrary, there are individuals
who DO NOT ACCEPTS their INNATE SEXUAL characteristics and they actually tend
to change their sexual organs through medications and surgery. In addition, external
environment helps shapes us. In this lesson, we are going to explore the development of our
sexual characteristics and behavior.

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Determine the condition of your physical self
2. Classify the physiological needs of the self in each stage of life
3. Identify the forces and institutions that impact the development of the various aspects
of identity and the self
4. Explain the importance of good health

LESSON PROPER
Marieb, E.N. (2001) explains that the gonads begin to form until about the eight
week of embryonic development. The embryonic structures of males and females
during the early stages of human development are alike and are said to be in
indifferent stage. When the reproductive structures are formed development of the accessory
structures and external genitalia begins.

Beginning of life
Life begins at fertilization
. It refers to the meeting of the female sex cell and the male sex cell. These sex cells are
developed in the reproductive organs called

GONADS
. The male sex cell called spermatozoa is produced in the male gonads called testes
. On the other hand, the female sex cells called ova are produced in the female gonads known
ovaries
. The fertilized egg cell known as a zygote contains all the hereditary potentials from the
parents. This zygote goes to the uterus and continues to grow during the gestation period of
about 280 days or 36 weeks or 9 calendar months.

Both male and female chromosomes contains several thousands of genes – called
deoxyribonucleic acid which is the code of heredity. Maturation is the unfolding of the inherent
traits.

Human Development
The formation of male or female structures depends on the presence of testosterone (A
substance called hormone that occurs naturally in men and male animals). The embryonic
testes release testosterone once formed and the formation of the duct system and external
genitalia follows. The same with female embryos that form ovaries, it will cause the
development of the female ducts and external genitalia since testosterone hormone is not
produce.

Pseudo hermaphrodites are formed who is individuals having accessory reproductive structures
that do not “match” their gonads while true Hermaphrodites are individuals who possess both
ovarian and testicular tissues, but this condition is rare in nature. Nowadays, many pseudo-
hermaphrodites undergo sex change operations to have their outer selves fit with their inner
selves (gonads).

Human Anatomy
Puberty is the period of life when the reproductive organs grow to their adult size and become
functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones [testosterone in males and
estrogen in females] and generally between the age of 10-15 years old.

At the age of 13, male puberty is characterized by the increase in the size of the reproductive
organs followed by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary, and face. The reproductive
organs continue to grow for two years until sexual maturation marked by the presence of
mature semen in the testes.

For the female, the budding of their breasts usually occurs at the age of 11 as a sign of their
puberty stage. Menarche is the first menstrual period of females which happens two years after
the start of puberty. Hormones play an important role in the regulation of ovulation and fertility
of females.

Factors in the development of the physical self

The development of the individual is caused by two interacting forces: heredity and
environment.

Heredity [nature] is the transmission of traits from parents to offspring it provides the raw
materials of which the individual is made up. While the environment [nurture] is the sum total
of the forces or experiences that a person undergoes from conception to old age. It includes
family, friends, school, nutrition, and other agencies one is in contact with.

Diseases associated with the reproductive systems

Infections are the most common problems associated with the reproductive system in adults.

Vaginal infections are more common in young and elderly women and those whose resistance
to diseases is low, like, Escherichia coli which spread through the digestive tract, the sexually
transmitted microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes virus and yeast fungus.

Pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility are also the effect of vaginal infections. For males, the
most common inflammatory conditions are prostatitis, urethritis, and epididymitis, STD,
Orchiditis.

Major threat to reproductive organs are Neoplasms, tumor of the breast and cervix cancers in
adult females and prostates cancer in adult males. Most women hit the highest point of their
reproductive abilities in their late 20‟s, i.e. irregular ovulation and shorter menstrual periods –
menopausal period.

The production of estrogen may continue after menopause but the ovaries finally stop
functioning as endocrine organs. The reproductive organ and breast begin to atrophy or shrink
if estrogen is no longer released from the body. In this case, the vaginal becomes dry that
causes intercourse to become painful if frequent and the vaginal infections become increasingly
common.

Signs of estrogen deficiency: irritability and mood changes [depression in some]; intense
vasodilation of the skin‟s blood vessels, gradual thinning of skin and loss of bone mass, slowing
rising high blood levels, etc..

Note: there is no counterpart for menopause in males. Although aging men show a steady
decline in testosterone section, their reproductive capability seems unending. Healthy men are
still able to father offspring well into their 80‟ and beyond.

Erogenous zones
It refers to part of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal when
touched in a sexual manner. Examples: mouth, breast, genitals, anus. However, erogenous
zones may vary from one person to another. Some people may desire and enjoy being touched
in certain areas more than the other areas, like, the neck, thighs, abdomen, and feet.

Human Sexual Behavior

It is defined as any activity – solitary, between two persons, or in a group – that induces/
brings sexual arousal [Gebhard, P.H. 2017]. This behavior is classified according to gender
and number of participants. Types of behavior: Solitary behavior [involving one individual]; and
Socio-sexual behavior [more than one individual]

Solitary behavior
Self – gratification [begins at or b4 puberty] means self–stimulation that leads to sexual arousal
and generally, sexual climax. This takes place in personal and private as an end but can also be
done in a socio-sexual relationship. This is common for males but becomes less frequent or is
abandoned when socio-sexual activity is available.

Therefore, self-gratification is most frequent among the unmarried. However, this self-
gratification usually decreases as soon as an individual develops a socio-sexual relationship.
Nowadays, humans are frequently being exposed to sexual stimuli esp. from advertising and
social media. Some adolescents become so much more aggressive when they respond to such
stimuli. The rate of teenage pregnancy has recently increased. The challenge is to develop self-
control so as to balance suppression and free expression. Why? To prevent premarital sex and
acquiring STD.

Socio-sexual behavior
It is the greatest amount of socio-sexual behavior that occurs b/w only one male and one
female. This usually begins in childhood and may be motivated by curiosity, such as showing or
examining genitalia.
Physical contact involving necking and petting is considered as an ingredient of the learning
process and eventually of courtship and selection of a marriage partner. Petting differs from
hugging, kissing and generalized caresses of the clothed body to produce stimulation of the
genitals. This is done due to affection as source of pleasure, preliminary to coitus [this is an
insertion of male reproductive organ into female organ]. This is regarded as an important
aspect in selecting partner but also a way of learning how to interact with another person
sexually.

A behavior may be interpreted by society or an individual as erotic depending on the context in

which the behavior occurs. For example, kissing is a gesture of intimacy b/w couples while
other sees this as respect and reverence.

Physiology of human sexual response

Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when sexual activity is
continued.
1. Excitement phase = It is caused by an increase in pulse and blood pressure; a sudden
rise in blood supply to the surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature,
flushing, and swelling of all distensible body parts particularly noticeable in the male and
female reproductive system, rapid breathing, secretion of genital fluids, vaginal
expansion, and a general increase in muscle tension.
2. Plateau phase = it is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm
usually occurs.
3. Sexual climax = a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, rapid increase in pulse rate and
blood pressure, and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions of the female
reproductive organ and ejaculation by the male that lasts only for few seconds normally
not over ten.
4. Resolution phase = it refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiological state.
Whereas males return to normal even if stimulation continues, but continued
stimulations can produce additional orgasms in females. Females are physically
capable of repeated orgasms without the intervening “rest period” required by males.

Lesson II: To Buy or Not to Buy? That Is the Question!

-William James wrote in his book, The Principles of Psychology in 1890 that understanding the
self can be examined through its different components. He described these components as :
(1) its constituents
(2) the feelings and emotions they arouse – self-feelings
(3) the actions to which they prompt – self-seeking and self-preservation
-The constituents of self are composed of the material self, the social self, the spiritual self and
pure ego (Trentmann 2016; Green 1997).

MATERIAL SELF
-The material self, according to James, primarily is about our bodies, clothes,
immediate
family, and home.
- BODY. The innermost part of our material self is our body. Intentionally, we are investing in
our body. We are directly attached to this commodity that we cannot live without. We strive
hard to make sure that this body functions well and good. Any ailment or disorder directly
affects us. We do have certain preferential attachment or intimate closeness to certain body
parts because of its value to us.

- CLOTHES. Influenced by the “Philosophy of Dress” by Herman Lotze, James believed that
clothing is an essential part of the material self. Lotze in his book, Microcosmus, stipulates “any
time we bring an object into the surface of our body, we invest that object into the
consciousness of our personal existence taking in it its contours to be our own and making it
part of the self” (Watson, 2014). The fabric and style of the clothes we wear bring sensations
to the body to which directly affect our attitudes and behavior. Thus, clothes are placed in the
secondary hierarchy of material self. Clothing is a form of self-expression. We choose and wear
clothes that reflect our self (Watson, 2014).

- FAMILY. Third in the hierarchy is our immediate family. Our parents and siblings hold
another great important part of our self. What they do or become affects us. When an
immediate family member dies, part of our self dies, too. When their lives are in success, we
feel their victories as if we are the one holding the trophy. In their failures, we are put to shame
or guilt. When they are in disadvantage situation, there is an urgent urge to help like a
voluntary instinct of saving one’s self from danger. We place huge investment in
our immediate family when we see them as the nearest replica of our self.

- HOME. The fourth component of material self is our home. Home is where our heart is. It is
the earliest nest of our selfhood. Our experiences inside the home were recorded and marked
on particular parts and things in our home.

-Having investment of self to things, made us attached to those things. The more investment of
self-given to the particular thing, the more we identify ourselves to it. We also tend to collect
and possess properties. The collections in different degree of investment of self, becomes part
of the self. As James (1890) describe self: “a man’s self is the sum total of all what he CAN call
his.” Possessions then become a part or an extension of the self.

We Are What We Have

-Russel Belk (1988) posits that “… we regard our possessions as part of ourselves. We are
what we have and what we possess.” The identification of the self to things starts in our
infancy stage when we make a distinction between self and environment and others who may
desire our possessions.

-As we grow older, putting importance to material possessions decreases. However material
possession gains higher value in our lifetime if we use material possession to find happiness and
associate these things with significant events, accomplishments, and people in our lives. There
are even times, when material possession of a person that is closely identified to the person,
gains acknowledgment with high regard even if the person already passed away.

Lesson III: Supernaturals: Believe It or Not !

The spiritual self is one of the four constituents of the “self” according to William James in his
book, The Principles of Psychology in 1890. The spiritual self is the most intimate, inner
subjective part of the self. It is the most intimate version of the self because the satisfaction
experienced when thinking of one’s ability to argue and discriminate, of one’s moral
sensibility and conscience, and of our unconquerable will (James, 1890) is purer than all other
sentiments of satisfaction (Green, 1997).

RELIGION
Rebecca Stein (Stein.2011) works on their definition of religion “as a set of cultural beliefs and
practices that usually includes some or all of basic characteristics.” These characteristics are:

1. A belief in anthropomorphic supernatural being.

2. A focus on the sacred supernatural.
3. The presence of supernatural power or energy that is found on supernatural beings as well
as physical beings and objects.
4. The performance of ritual activities that involves the manipulation of sacred
object to communicate to supernatural beings and/or to influence or control events.
5. The articulation of world view and moral codes through narratives and other means.
6. Provide the creation and maintenance of social bonds and mechanism of social control
within a community, provide explanation for own and a sense of control for individuals.

An individual lives in a society where there are many practices of religion. The choice of
religious belief lies within the spiritual self. Although the choice maybe influenced by the
society and its culture.

RITUAL
Ritual is the performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by a tradition or sacred
law (Britannica, 2017). Ritual is a specific, observable mode of behavior exhibited by all known
societies. It is thus possible to view ritual as a way of defining or describing humans. Three
fundamental characteristics of rituals according to Penner (Britannica, 2017).

1. a feeling or emotion of respect, awe, fascination, or dread in relation to the sacred.

2. dependence upon a belief system that is usually expressed in the language of myth
3. is symbolic in relation to its reference

The self can be described as a ritual being who exhibits a striking parallel between their ritual
and verbal behavior. Just as language is a system of symbols that is based upon arbitrary rules,
ritual may be viewed as a system of symbolic acts that is based upon arbitrary rules, ritual may
be viewed as a system of symbolic acts that is based upon arbitrary rules. Participation to rituals
is an expression of religious beliefs.

Some World Religious Beliefs and Practices

1. BUDDHISM
a. Beliefs - believes that there are suffering, pain, and frustrations in life. When people suffer,
they want to experience the goodness of life and disappointments. It becomes a habit
known as the reactive cycle of wanting and hating, like and dislike, and craving and
 aversion. This reactive cycle can be broken through the practice of mediation, acquiring
more wisdom deeper understanding, and acceptance of things as they are.
b. Customs and Practices - two types of meditation practices:
b.1 Samatha is practiced as mindfulness of breathing and development of loving
kindness
(Metta Bhavana).
b.2 Vipasanna practices aim at developing insight into reality.
- Acquiring wisdom is by studying Buddha’s teaching, the Dharma. Through the reflection
of
Dharma, Buddhists can achieve a deeper understanding of life. Buddhists believe in non-
violence principle.
- Some of the major Buddhist celebrations are Parinirvana Day in February;
Buddha
Day (Wesak) in May, Dharma Day in July; Padmasambhava Day in October, and Sangha
Day in November.

2. CHRISTIANITY
a. Beliefs - believe in Trinitarian God (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit).
- Eternal life after death will be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
b. Customs and Practices
The sacrament of Baptism and Sacrament of Communion are practiced by Christian
churches.
- Christmas and Resurrection (Easter) are the two major celebrations in Christianity.
Christmas, usually on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ while Resurrection
Sunday (depending on the lunar calendar, sometime in March or April) celebrates the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from death.

3. HINDUISM
a. Beliefs
- Hinduism covers a wide range of traditional beliefs and religious groups; thus, there is no
single founder or leader. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth,
governed by Karma. Karma is a concept where the reincarnated life will depend on how the
past life was spent. Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and
its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived. Vedas are sacred
scriptures of Hindus. Mahabharata and Ramayana are two other important texts of the Hindus.

b. Customs and Practices

- Diwali and Navrati are the most celebrated festivals of the Hindus, Diwali is the Festival of
Lights while Navrati is the festival of nine nights, which celebrates the triumph of good over
evil. Hindus have set dates to honor particular manifestations of God.

4. ISLAM
a. Beliefs
- Muslims believe in Allah, who is their “One God.” They believe in the unity and university of
God. Muslims also have a strong sense of community or “ummah” and an awareness of their
solidarity with all Muslims worldwide. Islam means “willing submission to God.”
- Muslims believe that Mohammed is the last and final prophet sent by God. Mohammed was
born in Mecca in 570 CE and received revelations from God through the Angel Gabriel over a
period of 23 years. The Holy Book of Islam is called the Quran, which was taught to be recited in
Arabic because of any translation is seen as inadequate.

b. Customs and Practices

- Muslims believe in the five pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of Muslim life:
1. Shahadah – statement of faith: “There is no God but the one true God and Mohammed is
his messenger.”
2. Salat- the prayer that is practiced five times a day.
3. Zakat- the monetary offering for the benefit of the poor. It comprises 2.5% of a Muslim’s
assets.
4. Hajj- the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims who can afford are asked to do he
pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
5. Sawm- the fasting. Muslims do fasting from food, drink, and sexual acts during the
celebration of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fast is
from dawn to sunset.
- Two of the major festivals in Islam are Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha. Eidul-Fitr is the celebration at
the end of Ramadan, while Eidul-Adha is celebrated within the completion of the Pilgrimage,
the Hajj.

5. JUDAISM
a. Beliefs
- The Jews believed in the God of Abraham, the same God that liberated the Hebrew slaves
from Egypt to Canaan, the Promised Land through the leadership of Moses and later, Joshua.
- The Jews believe in the coming of Messiah, the Savior. The sacred scripture of the Jews is
called the Torah or the Law. The Torah is the guide of the Jewish living. The study and
interpretation of the Torah is part of the Jewish culture.

b. Customs and Practices

- There are five major festivals observed by the Jews:
1. Rosh Hashanah- the New Year
2. Yom Kippur- the Day of Atonement
3. Pesach- Passover
4. Shavuot- Pentecost
5. Sukkot- Tabernacles. The Jewish Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sunset and is an
important time when families gather for the Shabbat meal.

of the self. As James (1890)

describe self: “a man’s self is
the sum total of all what he
CAN
call his.” Possessions then
become a part or an extension
of the self.
We Are What We Have
- Russel Belk (1988) posits
that “… we regard our
possessions as part of ourselves.
We are
what we have and what we
possess.” The identification of
the self to things started in our
infancy stage when we make a
distinction among self and
environment and others who
may
desire our possessions.
- As we grow older, putting
importance to material
possession decreases. However
material
possession gains higher value in
our lifetime if we use material
possession to find happiness,
associate these things with
significant events,
accomplishments and people in
our lives. There
are even times, when material
possession of a person that is
closely identified to the person,
gains acknowledgement with
high regard even if the person
already passed away.
Lesson I