Course

LM02-NGEC
Packet

01 0213

Learning Module 2

Understanding
the Self
Course Packet 01

The Physical Self

Knowledge Area Code : SSCI

Course Code : NGEC0213
Learning Module Code : LM02-NGEC0213
Course Packet Code : LM02-NGEC0213-01

Learning Module: Understanding the Self 3

 Course Packet 01

The Physical Self

Introduction
The physical self is one of the most personal concern of every individual since it is the concrete dimension
and, the tangible aspect of a person which can be directly observed and examined. This course packet
provides materials that will lead students to demonstrate critical, reflective thought in integrating the
various aspects of self and identity. Self-assessment will be utilized to enhance the learner’s understanding
about the physical self. The scope and coverage of this topic are: The self as impacted by the body and the
impact of culture on self-image and self-esteem: The importance of beauty

Objectives
1. Explain the importance of beauty.
2. Analyze the impact of culture on body image.
3. Discuss the impact of body image to self-esteem.

Introduction

Do you ever wish you could change something about your body? Assuming this is the case, you're not the
only one. Bunches of individuals feel discontent with some piece of their looks. In any case, when you stall
out on what you don't care for, it can truly cut down your confidence.

You needn't bother with an ideal body to have a decent self-perception. At the point when you like your
body all things considered, at this moment, you help your self-perception. What's more, your confidence
as well.
The Importance of Beauty

Oxford dictionary defines beauty as “a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases
the aesthetic senses, especially the sight”.

Is it important to be beautiful? Yes, of course! We all know that gorgeous people get preferential treatment.
It’s a not-too-pretty fact of life long attributed to the halo effect, a type of cognitive bias or judgment
discrepancy in which our impression of a person dictates the assumptions we make about that individual.

We like to say that kindness and looks matter more, and that we appreciate what's on the inside most. But
that is not exactly the case, we live by the notion that beautiful is best. In fact, even children are drawn to
aesthetically pleasing faces, as opposed to unattractive and asymmetric ones.

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Truthfully, attractive people are afforded higher pay, more opportunities, special treatment, a free pass so
to speak. In fact, the more attractive you are the higher chance of getting to the head of the line. Plus, the
better-looking student is considered more competent and enjoys higher grades, as well.
This preference for attractiveness can be found across domains, including politics, media, and the legal
field. Beautiful people are also hired sooner, get promotions more quickly, are higher -ranking in their
companies, and receive extra benefits and perks on the job.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/beauty

The Impact of Culture in Body Image

Our body image, which includes our perception of ourselves and our own body and the manner in which
we feel about our body, is influenced by a variety of factors. Many aspects contribute to body image,
including the environment in which we are immersed in as well as our biological makeup and genetic
predisposition.

The culture in which we are surrounded by has a significant impact on how we feel about ourselves an d
the manner in which we think about our body. Many cultural traditions also contribute to body image and
can influence either negative or positive body image and self-esteem.

According to Mei Yam (2013) research, ideal standards of body sizes are cultura lly specific. Since the 1960s,
ideal body sizes for American women have emphasized thinness (Fallon, 1990; Wiseman, Gray, Mosimann,
& Ahrens, 1992). However, these values vary across different cultural groups. Women who identify with
being Black, for example, perceive bigger, thicker, and more voluptuous figures to be more attractive
(Craig, 2006; de Casanova, 2004). In contrast to Black Americans, Asians tend to endorse extreme thinness
in their body ideals, even more so than White Americans (Evans & McCon nell, 2003).

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Cultural standards of body sizes among white American, black American and Asian women.

The Impact of Body Image to Self-esteem

According to K. Wilder (2008), body image is an increasingly important topic in this day and age. Today’s
society displays immense pressures to be thin, fit, and beautiful. Images of waif-like models are splashed
across television and theater screens and in magazines, sending a message that success, happiness, and
belonging only come with unattainable beauty. The constant measures of thinness and beauty lead people
to scrutinize their own appearance as well as those around them, usually resulting in viewing their own
bodies harsher than reality (Lowery, Robinson Kurpius, Befort, Blanks, Sollenberger, Nicpon, et al., 2005).
Moreover, Wilder states that how people view themselves, or their body image, can vastly affect their self-
esteem, or overall feeling of worth. According to Jung and Lee (2006), the lower or more negative one’s
body image, the lower his or her self-esteem. In addition, the more optimistically one feels about his or her
appearance, the more optimistically he or she will feel about him or her self overall (Boyes, Fletcher, &
Latner, 2007). Self-esteem is important for everyone because it helps you keep a positive outlook on life
and makes you feel proud of the person you are, both inside and out.

Cultivating a Healthy Self Body Image

Body image is part of self-image and they are inextricably linked to self-esteem. Having a positive self-
esteem will lead to a positive self-image which will lead to a positive body image. The following are some
ways in which a positive self-esteem can be cultivated:

Focusing on your unique qualities.

Focusing on your education: Learning gives you the power to make a difference in your life and in the lives
of others.

Participating in a variety of sports or activities: This can be a great way to stay healthy and fit, which adds
to a positive body image.

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Taking up a new hobby or learning to play an instrument : Have you ever wanted to play the guitar? Maybe
you want to learn how to play chess. Take time to find your hidden talents!

Setting and reaching new goals: Having something to look forward to can give you a sense of pride and
help you work through different challenges throughout your life.

Being an inspiration to others: If you thought of your own ways to cope with social situations and find
confidence, you may find it rewarding to share advice and offer encouragement to others.

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