Physical self refers to the body which is a Africans in the past only a woman with face

wonderful and complex container. It is a or body scarification is considered beautiful;

responsive machine with which we interface a woman with large plates inserted into the
with our environment and fellow beings. It is lower and sometimes upper lip is beautiful
a concrete dimension; tangible aspect of the and marriageable.
person that can be directly observed and
Few Asian countries like Malaysia,
examined. (Singh, 2018)
Philippines and Indonesia consider flat noses
Influence of Culture to Beauty as beautiful before colonization.
De Mello (2014)) noted that for evolutionary In Japan, beauty is symbolized by the
psychologists, beauty is universal if all geisha (a Japanese hostess trained to
cultures appear to have the same notion of entertain men with conversation, dance, and
what beautiful is. song.)
Evolutionary perspective explains that both In South Korea, standards of beauty include
men and women have considered certain round eyes, pale skin, sharp nose and long
physical features that are believed to be legs although in reality, these features are
indicators of beauty: health and good gene. unusual among them.
Fitness and BEAUTY is characterized by a
In the Philippines, our preference for beauty
clean and unblemished skin, thick shiny hair,
is highly influenced by our much love for
and symmetrical face. That is, individuals
movie and television actors and actresses
with unusual facial features are seen as more
that we idolize. Thus, standards of beauty are
beautiful since they are more noticeable than
characterized by fair skin, long, straight
those with average facial features.
black hair, tall nose, and slanted eyes.
Swami and Harris (2012) further added that
For scientists, a face is attractive when ideal
for the evolutionary psychological approach,
measurement is achieved for the space
a person’s inclination for physical
between the eyes, the length of the chin, the
attractiveness and choice of a mate is
height of the eyes, the length and width of
dependent on the latter’s capability for
the nose, and the width and the shape of the
reproduction.
mouth.
Beauty is cultural as well.
Importance of BEAUTY
De Mello (2014) notes that in:
The importance of BEAUTY is derived in the
India- beauty comprise cleanliness, graceful premise that it is the face that we become
use of clothing, how a woman carries aware of when we encounter people.
herself, if her skin, hair and bindi on the
forehead are well cared for.
What we observe (see) makes a difference in In Conclusion:
the way we perceive them. Both men and
BEAUTY or BEING BEAUTIFUL is a concept
women, although women appear to be more
that we automatically attached to the body.
conscious of their beauty, take extra effort,
The society’s standards of beauty sometimes
time and money to engage in activities that
contribute to the development of a person’s
enhance their appearance just to meet the
unhealthy body image or incapacitating
beauty standards that modern society seem
beliefs.
to promote.
Therefore, beauty should not be used as a
Reasons why some people adapt to the
measure of a person’s worth.
seemingly unrealistic and unattainable
standards of beauty Nonetheless, the physical aspect is one of
the areas that a person may improve on so
The harsh treatment from various media
that he can achieve a healthy self-image.
(e.g. magazines and advertisements)
received by women who do not meet the
society’s standards of beauty. This kind of
treatment has psychological implication as it
affects women at its core. The latter leads to
the development of low self-esteem,
negative body image, eating disorders,
stress, and anxiety.

Britton (2012) mentioned that by putting

photo-shopped and computer-enhanced
models in advertisements, society has built
up impossible standards of beauty, which
has led to feelings of inadequacy among
women.

Despite the costs (financial and

psychological), some still risk undergoing
procedures to compensate for the negative
feelings they have about their body image.

Good looks seem to be one of the sources of

esteem. But this is not a good source of
esteem since beauty fades as one gets older,
still a lot of women and men conform to the
society’s standards of beauty to maintain
their youthful look. Ultimately, looking
young despite old age, increases one’s self-
esteem.
What is SEXUALITY?

Refers to the ways by which humans Biological sex –depends on hormones and
experience and express themselves as genitalia.
sexual beings. Maleness or femaleness,
What are the factors affecting the
capacity to experience sexual pleasure,
development of our sexual body?
identification of ourselves in view of
biological sexual characteristics—these are 1.) At birth, the basis of assigning one’s sex
only among the basic components of or gender as either male or female is
sexuality. determined by the structure of the external
genitalia. (Primary sexual characteristics)
What is the difference between Sex and
Gender? 2.) Male and Female Secondary Sex
Characteristics- as part of pubertal and
Sex results from biological structural
hormonal changes.
differences between males and females.
What is Sexual Behavior?
Gender results from socialization within
one’s culture. Human sexuality is not just sexual anatomy.
It is also characterized by expression (or
What are the concepts or terms associated
suppression of in some cases) of sexual
with gender?
feelings and thoughts into certain actions
either individually or with another sexual
being.

SEXUAL BEHAVIOR – refers to what we

actually do to experience the fullness or our
sexual body.

Biologically, due to erogenous zones - the

body parts that are sensitive to sexual
stimulation.

What are the different biological

Gender identity – refers to one’s concept of explanations with regards to our sexual
being male or female. behaviors (lust, love and attachment) as
human beings?
Sexual orientation – is defined as one’s
erotic attraction and romantic interest with LUST - which is basically characterized by
the opposite or same gender. having the urge to experience pleasure
through sexual intimacy with someone is
Gender expression –which denotes how a influenced by neurophysiological
person objectifies his or her gender identity mechanisms or certain areas in the brain
through manner of dressing, appearance, or and the production of hormones like
demeanor. estrogens and androgens. ◦- is mediated
by both the cerebral cortex or the thinking attracted physically. (Gender differences
brain structure and the subcortical regions, when it comes to the motivations behind the
consisting of the emotional part of the brain. sexual response)

LOVE - seems to be governed by the (Conaco,et.al,2003)

attraction system in our brain characterized
Sexual responses is a way to fulfill more
by an increased production of the
psychological or even spiritual needs at
neurotransmitters dopamine and
times. (Diamond,2014)
norepinephrine and low level of serotonin.
Therefore, The sexual response is not an
ATTACHMENT - these are usually released
independent response of the human body.
after partners experienced fullness of sexual
union(vasopressin), during childbirth and It is as much interconnected with the
nursing a baby(oxytocin), cuddling, and different systems, especially to the mental
other emotionally intimate activities. and personality make up and to socio-
cultural factors that continue to shape
Vassopressin and oxytocin are hormones
human being’s internal behaviors and
released when there is attachment between
external characteristics.
human individuals.
Filipino Teenage Sexuality
These 3 emotion circuits in the brain are
intertwined with one another yet, they could More and more teenagers engage in sexual
function differently and independently. activities like “premarital sex (PMS),
multiple sex, casual sex, pornography,
However, Culture or nurture also interact
cohabitation” (De Jose, 2013).
with biology to shape our sexual behavior.
Though studies show varying figures, the
Humans developed the capacity to
number of Filipino teens engaging in sexual
determine inappropriate sexual behaviors,
acts prior to marriage shows an alarming
unhealthy attractions, or destructive
and increasing trend. (De Jose, 2013,
attachments—as such we become more self-
YAFS,2013).
determining or self-regulating.
More alarming is the emergence of a new
Did you know that we have the capacity to
sexual phenomenon among sexually active
control our sexual responses?
teenagers, which is the so-called FUBU(fuck
Humans do not automatically engage in a buddy) or FB(friends with benefits), a non-
sexual activity upon the presence of a romantic sexual relations that occur
sexually stimulating condition, nor do they regularly between friends with no
reflexively act on their sexual urges. Our so- commitment or strings attached(YAFS,2013).
called crowning glory, the thinking part of
Females or males alike, regardless of who
our brain called the cerebral cortex that
the partner appear to have a lack of regard
governs for sexual processes, functioning or
about the use of protective measures.
behavior. (Nevid, et. Al, 1995)
Majority of teenagers who engage in pre-
Women engage in sexual activity as a result
marital sex and other sexual acts seem
of emotional intimacy of being in love; while
oblivious to the risks of sexually transmitted
men are believed to be driven by purely
infections(STIs) or HIV or unplanned
sexual desire at times resulting from being
pregnancy, thus, the lack of concern as well
about unprotected sex.

Latest data reveal that at greater risks are

males having sex with males who remain
indifferent to the idea of protection during
sexual encounters.

There is a noted lack of awareness of HIV and

other STIs through the recent years (95% in
1994 vs. 83.33& in 2013 (YAFS,2013).

How does Material Self develop? one’s social significance and possessive
behavior. Hence, all these contribute
Developmental Underpinning of Material
significantly to one’s self-concept,
Self and Role Attachment
awareness, and individuality as a result of
The “material” aspect of the self can be socialization that continues until adulthood.
traced during the early childhood wherein
What are the roles of possession in the
the self- concept is critically forming.
formation of Identity?
For a young child, a cherished possession
1. Possessions as Symbolic Expressions of
like a stuff toy, serves as transitional object
Identity (Symbolic Communicational Model)
which means a supplement or replacement
in the absence of significant persons and There’s an observation that one’s
eventually becomes a source of comfort and possessions are considered a part of oneself.
security in the absence of the attachment
They are symbols and extensions of the
figure or caregiver.
personal and social aspects of her identity/
Language acquisition during the early personhood.
childhood development likewise plays a role
“ This outfit is s---o you!”
not only to the expression of objects but also
in terms of naming, keeping, and ownership “This is the perfect gift for you!”
of objects leading to the use of words such
“My ancestral land is all I am”
as my, mine, and yours which consequently
results to conflicts over toys as possession in “I don’t want to be poor anymore”
the usual context of play.
“This is all I have and you are taking them
This suggests that material possessions of a away?”
child become an instrument of power and
control (as who and who cannot use one’s
toys or other material object) thus reflecting
2. The Role/Functions of Possessions (Levi- Is it for real that a person would feel good
Strauss 1965) about herself if she has an expensive set of
clothes? Car? Bag?
Possessions do not just have value; they are
not merely economic commodities. They are 6. Pets as Extensions/Symbols of the Self
also vehicles and instruments for :
Pets have become parts of the extended self.
a) influence Pets belong to the top 5 possessions
b) power according to most surveys.
c) sympathy
• There exist a positive relationship between
d) social status
self-esteem and owning pets (Covert et al,
e) emotions
1985)
3. Possessions may deliver/exhibit the
• The dog as “co-therapist” (Levinson, 1962)
following:
When is enough, enough for a materialistic
-Control and expertise (actual or impression)
person?
-Comfort and emotional stability

-A concrete record of achievements (ex.

3 Dimensions or Orienting Values (Richins,
museum)
1991)
-Past and future goals
1.Acquisition centrality : materialists tend to
-A souvenir of relationships (ex. momentos) place possessions and the process of
acquiring possessions at the center of their
4. Social Status
lives.
What does your house look like? (home as
2.Acquisition as the pursuit of happiness :
identity shell)
materialists tend to view their possessions
What are the things that can be found in our and their acquisition as a means of providing
living room? the materialist with some level of personal
well- being or satisfaction with their lives.
Are you from the upper class? Middle class?
Or lower class? 3.Possession defined success : materialists
tend to base their own and others’ success
The value and significance of the status
on the number and quality of possessions.
symbol are altered through time.

5. Symbolic Self-Completion (Wickland &

Gollwitzer, 1982, 1985) DIGITAL SELF

Goods and possessions are used to fill in or The idea of the digital self developed from
to compensate for the person lacks. (E.g. the original phenomenon of the ‘extended
Even though you are not too smart or not self’, pioneered by Russell Belk in 1988. He
qualified, so long as you wear an expensive believed our possessions are a major
watch, an high-class pair of shoes and you contributor to and reflection of our identities.
have the latest model of cellphone. ) Back in the day, it was external objects, such
as clothes, jewelry and cars etc.
 c.) ought self - denotes the characteristics
that oneself or others believe an individual
Nowadays however, it isn’t merely tangible
should or ought to possess, and replicates
belongings that researchers consider as part
someone's sense of duties, responsibilities
of our extended self. Our digital possessions
and obligations.
such as photos, videos, statuses, texts, and
emails are now seen to be significantly
important to shaping our digital self.
2. Self-determination Theory - gives
What is the impact of online interaction on attention on how human behaviors are
self? motivated, in union with freewill to
understand one’s desire for identity
• The digital world allows an individual to
reconstruction in indistinctive situation.
keep the pace of interaction more open,
which could be pleasant to some and Masur, et.al (2014), mentioned that self-
unpleasant to others. determination theory has been used to
• Online interaction allows a person to explain people's behavior in social network
more likely hide negative aspects of their platform use. It is suggested that individuals
true self (such as socially undesirable who experience a lack of intrinsic need
personalities, minds, beliefs and satisfaction in offline life will try to
consciousness) to avoid conflict with compensate for these shortages through
social norms and laws. social network platform use.
• The true self serves as the core of one’s
Thus, the following psychological needs are
behavior while the online identity
assumed to be fulfilled by certain degree of
becomes a façade that protects the true
self to any form of possible restraint and online interaction.
limitations which could bring harm to the
1.) competence - pertains to the need of
vulnerable true self.
feeling effective in actions and being able to
What are the theories behind the impact of express one's capacities, thus, the fulfillment
online interactions on the formation of of competence brings an individual the
digital self? sense of confidence;

1. Self-discrepancy Theory (Higgins,1989) - 2.) relatedness - discusses the need of being

assumes that online interaction can connected to others, especially to make
influence the formation of the following friends with the people who share same
domains of self: inner interests, thus, it brings an individual
a.) actual self - represents the the sense of belongingness;
characteristics that oneself or others
3.) autonomy - represents the need of acting
think an individual possesses, and
according to one's own volition and thought,
reflects the current state of an individual;
thus individuals regard their behavior as an
b.) ideal self - embodies the characteristics expression of their sense of self.
that oneself or others wish an individual to
possess ideally, and reflects someone's
hopes and aspirations;
WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY? A close personal relationship with a higher
power can provides a sense of safety, love
Concerns to an aspect of the divine and
and security in a turbulent world where they
supernatural but is often times limited to the
are besieged with peer pressure and feelings
individual, with no need for any formal
of inadequacy.
organization. This is the search for meaning
and direction in life and the ways by which 2. INDIVIDUATIVE-REFLECTIVE STAGE
one may preserve these.
The adolescent is able to critically reflect on
WHAT IS RELIGION? the stories, symbols, rituals and myths of
one’s traditions and translate them into
An organized system of ideas about the
conceptual meaning.
spiritual or supernatural realm, that is
accompanied by rituals. Through rituals, Commit themselves to faith through
people attempt to influence things that they conscious choice rather than through
think are beyond their control. unexamined acceptance.

STAGES OF FAITH DEVELOPMENT Faith development is correlated to identity-

forming questions such as “why was I
1. SYNTHETIC CONVENTIONAL STAGE
born?”, “how can I find meaning in life?”,
Youth begin to develop a capacity for “where does life lead?” and “how can I find
operational thinking. my purpose?”

Faith provides a unifying means of Older teens and young adults begin to
synthesizing values and information and can critically examine their beliefs and gradually
serve as a basis of forming a stable identity. begin to take responsibility for a worldview
that they themselves have chosen.
Faith is constructed through conformity to a
set of values and beliefs with deference to 3 STAGES OF TRANSITION &
authority. Their values and beliefs are TRANSFORMATION
typically unexamined.
1. ENDING – Saying goodbye to beliefs held
This stage is characterized by a hunger for a from childhood.
close, personal relationship with God.
2. NEUTRAL ZONE – conflicted internally
A clue that teens are beginning to move from the abandonment of one’s self to
beyond this stage is when they begin to embracing a new one. From the old “ako”
question authority and previously (I/me) to the new “ako” (I/me). One reason
established beliefs and values. why a teenager undergoes crisis is that
sometimes he/she is not aware that he/she is
Experience God as a close friend and ally.
undergoing a kind of spiritual awakening.
They want a God who knows them
There is sometimes full of hate, boredom,
intimately, someone who strengthens their
rebellion and sadness.
esteem and sense of purpose.
3. NEW BEGINNING. Through trustworthy
friends, an individual discovers not only
himself/herself but also God who may be
trusted and may serve as companion
throughout life.