Knowing Oneself: Understanding oneself during
middle and late adolescence
Self - Is the union of element namely; Body, thoughts, feeling or emotions, and sensations
that constitute the individuality and identity of a person
Self Concept
Ideal Self - is the self that you aspire to be. It is the one that you hope will possess
characteristics similar to that of a mentor or some other worldly figure.
- It is how we want to be
- It is an idealized image that we have developed over time.
Actual Self - is the one that you actually see. It is the self that has characteristics that you
were nurtured or, in some cases, born to have.
- built on self-knowledge.
- Self-knowledge is derived from social interactions that provide insight into how
others react to you
- It is who we actually are. It is how we think, how we feel, look, and act.
- It is our self-image
Self-concept - refers to your awareness of yourself. It is the construct that negotiates these
two selves.
Alignment is very important. If the way that I am is aligned with the way that I want to be =
peace of mind. If it’s not aligned = mental distress or anxiety
Adolescence - is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood. (Rathus,
Spencer, 2014)
Early Adolescence (12-14 years old) - characterized by emerging physical changes brought
by the onset of puberty stage.
Middle Adolescence (15-16 years old) - characterized by self- involvement, and the clash
between high expectations for self and poor self-concept.
Late Adolescence (17-19 years old) - Characterized by a higher level of concern for the
future and thoughts about one’s role in life.
Developing Whole Person
Puberty - is a period of rapid physical maturation involving hormonal and bodily changes.
(Vanderberg & Boomsa, 2007)
Hormones - powerful chemical substances secreted by the endocrine glands.
a. Androgen (for boys)
b. Estrogen (for girls)
Testosterone - is an androgen that play an important role in male pubertal development.
(Campbell & Mbizo, 2006)
- Testosterone level in adolescent boys is also linked to sexual desire and activity
(Cameron, 2004).
Estradiol - is an estrogen that plays an important role in female pubertal development.
Holistic Development - The process of self-actualization and learning that combines an
individual’s mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
The aspects of Holistic Development
Physiological Development (Physical change)
- The changes are preparing you to become physically capable of biological
reproduction.
Cognitive Development (Brain)
- The brain continues to develop.
- You are beginning to think from concrete to abstract term and able to conceptualize
theoretical ideas.
- Problems are now being evaluated logically and scientifically.
Psychological Development (maturity)
- Changes in the emotions, feelings, moods and manner of thinking.
- Ongoing establishment of strongly-held beliefs, values, and goals in life.
Social Development (Socialization)
- You begin to rely more on your friends or peer groups for support than on your
family. However, you are more prone to peer pressure.
Spiritual Development
- You begin to have interest in spiritual concerns. You start pondering on questions
concerning existence, essence, spirituality, religion and God.
Thoughts - refers to the ideas or arrangement of ideas that result from thinking or the act of
producing thoughts.
Feelings - denotes a state of consciousness, such as that resulting from emotions, sentiments
or desires
Behavior - refers to the range of actions and mannerism made by individuals, organism, or
any entities in conjunction with their environment.
Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck introduced the:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy - Through this therapeutic intervention, an individual can
change his/her thoughts which leads to a change in his feeling and behavior.
● We are responsible for our own feelings
● Adolescents are also normally self-conscious and sensitive individuals
● Most negative feelings and behavior are generated by negative thoughts
● One’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior are interconnected and interrelated.
