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Chapter

6 The Physical Self

Overview
This module explores the process of physical growth and development.
Understanding the physical self requires an analysis of the life span and the physical
development that happens in each stage. Particularly, the physical changes that occur at
the start of adolescence result largely from the secretion of various hormones which
virtually affects every aspect of an adolescent’s life, particularly the way they view
themselves (Feldman, 2010). Generally, girls are more dissatisfied than boys with their
physical and dissatisfaction with their appearance reach their peak between the ages 13
and 15 (Newman & Newman, 2009).

Objectives
At the end of this module, the student is expected to:

1. Identify the stages of life and explain the physical changes that occur during each
stage;
2. Recognize the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the physical
development of the self;
3. Describe the factors that affect body image;
4. Examine the impact of culture on body image and self; and
5. Develop a positive body image.

Discussion

The physical self refers to the body. Both physical extremities and internal organs
work together for the body to perform many of its functions such as breathing, walking,
eating, and sleeping, among others. The body’s ability to perform its functions gradually
changes through an individual’s aging. In general, the body performs least during
infancy and old age. Physical efficiency generally peaks in early adulthood between the
ages of twenty and thirty, and then slowly declines into the middle age. Physical
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development and growth during childhood continue at a slow rate compared to the
rapid rate of growth in babyhood.
Adolescence begins with the onset of puberty. This stage is characterized by
rapid physical changes that include the maturation of the reproductive system. Each
individual goes through a succession of developmental stages throughout his or her life
span. Life span refers to the development from conception to death. Elizabeth B. Hurlock
outlines the stages in the life span:
1. Prenatal- fertilization to birth
2. Infancy- birth to 2 weeks of life
3. Babyhood- 2 weeks of life to 2nd year
4. Early childhood- 2 to 6 years old
5. Late childhood- 6 to 10 or 12 years old
6. Puberty- 10 or 12 to 14 years old
7. Adolescence- 14 to 18 years old
8. Early adulthood- 18 to 40 years old
9. Middle adulthood- 40 to 60 years old
10. Late adulthood or senescence- 60 to death

Two Factors Affecting Physical Growth and Development

Physical growth and development is the product of heredity and environment.
Heredity is the biological process of the inheritance of traits from parents to offspring.
Environment refers to the factors an individual is exposed to throughout life which
includes learning and experiences. Environmental factors such as diet, nutrition, and
diseases play an important role in an individual’s physical development.

Sex and the physical traits are determined by the combination of chromosomes
and genes during fertilization when the egg and sperm cells unite. Chromosomes are
threadlike tissues that carries the genes, and are usually found in pairs. There are 23 pairs
of chromosomes which are classified as autosomes or trait chromosomes (22 pairs) and
gonosomes or sex chromosomes. The sex of the offspring depends on the pairing of the
sex chromosomes (23rd) from the father and mother. Genes are the basic carrier of
heredity traits and are classified as dominant (Strong genes) and recessive (weak genes).

Theories of Physical Self

The Theory of physiognomy suggests that a person’s physical characteristics such
as facial features and expressions and body structures could be related to a person’s
character or personality. According to the ancient Chinese practice of face reading, the
face is a three- dimensional reflection of “who we are and how life has affected us.” This
practice is rooted in the Five Element theory which makes use of the elements of water,
wood, fire, earth, and metal as archetypes for everything occurring in the natural world.
Each element is correlated to seasons, colors, shapes, sounds, as well as facial features,
body types, the body’s major organs, and behavioral tendencies. Face readers observe
how facial features and markings correspond to a person’s mental, emotional, and
physical makeup.
In ancient Greece, Hippocrates developed a theory based on the prominence of
body fluids. The theory suggests that an excess of or deficiency in any of the four bodily
fluids (or humors) in a person influences their personality, temperament, and well-being.
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The sanguine type has the prominence of red bile. They tend to be impulsive, cheerful,
happy, and optimistic. The melancholic has the prominence of black bile. They tend to be
depressed an pessimistic. The choleric has the prominence of yellow bile. They are easily
angry, jumpy, and temperamental. The phlegmatic has excess phlegm. They tend to be
sluggish, dull, and slow.
In the 1940s, William Sheldon has developed a body-type-theory based on
physical characteristics. The three body types are endomorphic, mesomorphic, and
ectomorphic. Physically, one who has the endomorphic body type is soft and plump.
People with this body type are perceived to be easy going and sociable. Physically, the
mesomorphic type is characterized by a strong muscular body. People who have
mesomorphic body type are perceived to be energetic, adventurous, assertive, and
courageous. They are competitive and tend to be dominant. Physically, one who has the
ectomorphic body type is tall and thin. People who have this body type tend to be
restrained, quiet, introverted, and artistic. The illustrations below show the different body
types according to Sheldon.

Image retrieved from: http://tiny.cc/a76quz

Finally, in her work The Wisdom of Your Face, Jean Haner (2008) suggests that
people with oval-shaped faces are generally hospitable and tactful. People with round-
shaped faces tend to be friendly, kindhearted, and selfless. People with square faces tend
to be witty, analytical, and great leaders. People who have heart-shaped faces are
perfectionists and tend to be aggressive. Persons with triangle-shaped faces tend to be
creative, artistic, sensitive, and determined. People with diamond faces are very detail-
oriented and like to be in control. Haner also suggests that people with full and thick
eyebrows tend to be confident, assertive, and goal-oriented. Persons with large or
highly-defined jaws have strong values and firm beliefs. An earlier study by Squier and
Mew (1981), suggests that persons with long and angular-shaped faces tend to be more
responsive, assertive, and genuine than persons with short and square-shaped faces who
tend to be more restrained, conforming, and shrewd.

BODY IMAGE
Body image refers to how individuals perceive, think, and feel about their body
and physical appearance. Appearance refers to everything about a person that others
can observe such as height, weight, skin color, clothes, and hairstyle. Through
appearances, an individual is able to show others the kind of person he or she is
(DeLamater & Mayers, 2012). The age at which puberty begins has implications for the
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way adolescents feel about themselves as well as the way others treat (Feldman,2010).
Body image is related to self-esteem which is a person’s overall evaluation of his or her
own worth.

Body image can affect both the adolescent’s physical and psychological well-
being. Adolescents worry about different parts of their bodies. Adolescent boys and girls
tend to experience negative self-image because they are in a stage of development that
is probably confusing to them. However, girls are more concerned than boys about their
physical appearance and overall body image. The greatest concern that girls express
about their bodies is how they conform to idealized notions of beauty.

The way adolescents react to their physical appearance depends in part on socio-
cultural factors. The emphasis that peers, parents, or the media put on ideal body types
which is slim or thin girls to experience body dissatisfaction (Grabe, Ward, & Hyde, 2008;
Dunkley, Wertheim, & Paxton, 2001). For both boys and girls, bullying and peer pressure
are associated with greater body dissatisfaction (Webb & Zimmer-Gembeck, 2014).
Television, advertising, music, and movies are full of women who are thin, thus
constructing the notion that the ideal body shape is slim. Some girls and young women
compare themselves to models and actresses in advertisements. The result is that they
try change their physical appearance either through cosmetic surgery, dieting, or
excessive exercise. For girls, in particular, too much concern with thinness and the ideal
body shape may result in body dissatisfaction. Girls who have higher body dissatisfaction
are likely to experience depression, low-self-esteem, and eating disorders (Demello,
2014). For example, anorexia is an eating disorder in which the person refuses to eat for
fear of gaining weight which can result in severe starvation and death. It mostly afflicts
females between the ages of 12 and 40, although men may also develop it. Another
disorder is bulimia nervosa in which the person induces purging after binging on large
quantities of food (Feldman, 2010).

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTY

In Egyptian art, beauty is perceived in women with slim, high waist, narrow hips,
and long black hair. In contrast, women with a full figure and rounded hips were
considered beautiful during the Renaissance period. Some tribes (e.g., Africa) during the
Medieval Age considered chubby, fat, or plump women beautiful. People in Malaysia,
Philippines, and Indonesia used to consider flat noses to be attractive. However,
standards of beauty have changed over time due to changing cultural values. Even so, all
cultures have more or less the same concept of what is beautiful. Generally, humans who
have clean and unblemished skin, thick shinny hair, well-proportioned bodies, and
symmetrical faces, are traditionally considered the most beautiful. Beauty has always
been considered important throughout history because these features indicate youth,
health, good genes, and fertility (Demello, 2014).

Advertisements, magazines, and televisions are filled with good-looking faces

which emphasize the value of physical attractiveness. People tend to be influenced by
the beautiful faces and bodies they see in media in the way they determine what is
beautiful and what is not. As long as the fashion industry dictates what is beautiful, be it
for men or women, many people can never be satisfied with their bodies. They are willing
to spend a great deal of money to pay for the physical attractiveness that they want to
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achieve. The reality, however, is that beauty standards presented in media are so
unrealistic, that even the most beautiful and handsome supermodels cannot achieve it.

Some people desperately change their physical appearance through body

modification. One form of body modification is tattooing- which injects ink onto the skin
to draw a design. Makeup can also be permanently tattooed. Body piercing is another
type of body modification which lets people wear jewelry through different piercings in
their body such as the ears, nose, and tongue, among others. Tattooing and piercing
have been practiced across the globe since ancient times. Traditionally, tattooing and
piercing were considered signs of one’s strength, bravery, and social status.

Cosmetic surgery is another form of body modification which surgical and non
surgical procedures to restore, reconstruct, or alter body parts. Examples are breast
enhancement, nose lift, liposuction, and botox. Although tattooing, piercing, and
cosmetic surgery have become popular through time, these forms of body modification
involve health risks. In particular, some women have died from complications of skin
whitening treatments, diet pills and cosmetic surgery. Infection allergies, and other
complications can result from the use of unclean and poor quality equipment.

Whether beauty is biologically programmed or culturally constructed, it remains

important in all societies. Admittedly, attractive people have a lot of advantages in life.
For one, people who are perceived to be attractive are favored over those who are not in
many social situations. Studies have shown that men and women who are physically
attractive have more opportunities in finding jobs, getting promotions and having higher
income. Also, some people tend to view attractive people as happier, smarter, and better
people. Generally, unattractive are less liked and assisted. (Demello, 2014).

Different cultures have different definitions and perceptions of beauty. People

often say that a number of Filipinas have won international beauty contests shows that
Filipinas are among the women who are perceived to be most beautiful in the world.

People tend to judge others based on physical appearance. However, physical

appearance alone is not enough to know a person’s true character. It is important to see
into a person’s inner thoughts and feelings- one’s inner self. Above all things physical, it
is more important to be beautiful on the inside.

Here are some ways to improve your body image and inner self:
 Smile a lot.
 Take good care of your health.
 Live a well-balanced life.
 Dress well and be neat.
 Spend some time alone to reflect.
 Be creative and try to do something new.
 Develop a wholesome attitude toward sex.
 Avoid temptations.
 Respect individuality.
 Make friends.
 Be independent.
 Accept things as they are.
 Ask and listen.
 Think positive.
 Pray.
 Count your blessings.
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Evaluation
Name: ___________________________________________ Date__________________
Course & Year: __________________________________ Score:_________________

A. The following questionnaire is designed to describe how satisfied you are

with your physical characteristics. Rate each item from 1 (very dissatisfied)
to 5 (very satisfied).

Physical Very Satisfied Moderately Dissatisfied Very

Characteristics Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied

(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

1. Hair color
2. Hair texture
3. Eye color
4. Eye shape
5. Eyelashes
6. Eyebrow
7. Nose shape
8. Cheek-
bones
9. Cheeks
10. Facial
Expression
11. Skin color
12. Skin
Texture
13. Posture
14. Height
15. Body
weight
16. Body size
17. Physical
vigor
18. Clothing
19. Grooming
20. Hygiene
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Name: ___________________________________________ Date__________________

Course & Year: __________________________________ Score:_________________

B. Make a list of the things that make you beautiful as a person. You may
start your statements with prompts such as “I have pretty…”, “My greatest
asset is …”; “I am good at …”, etc.

Inside Outside

Chapter

7 The Sexual Self

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Overview
Understanding and experiencing the self includes discussion of the biological
factors of sexual behaviors that includes the reproductive system and the sex
characteristics that differentiate between man and woman. The reproductive system is a
system of sex organs designed for reproduction and sexual function. It affects not only
how individuals view themselves but also their sexuality and sexual relationships. During
adolescence, most young people become involved in dating and courtship. Through
romantic relationships, sexual behaviors are developed. Risk factors for sexual behaviors
such as early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are discussed in this module.
Early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among youth are major problems in
the Philippines. In this module, a number of strategies are recommended to prevent
these.

Objectives
At the end of the module, the student is expected to:

1. Explain the development of sex characteristics and the human

reproductive system;
2. Distinguish between attraction, love, and attachment;
3. Explain sexual orientation
4. Identify the caused and consequences of sexually transmitted infections
and early pregnancy; and
5. Reflect on the importance of contraception and Reproductive Health Law.

Discussion

DEVELOPMENT OF SEX CHARACTERISTICS AND THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEMS

The beginning of adolescence is marked by rapid physical changes, including the

maturation of the reproductive system and the development of primary and secondary
characteristics. Primary sex characteristics are physical characteristics present at birth.
These are the characteristics that distinguish male from female. In females, these
characteristics include the vagina, uterus, and ovaries. In males, the primary sex
characteristics include the penis, testes, or testicles, scrotum, and prostate gland.
Secondary sex characteristics develop during the onset of puberty. For women,
the earliest evidences of puberty are enlargement of the breasts, onset of maturation,
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widening of the hips, enlargement of buttocks and growth of pubic hair. Onset of
menstruation varies among countries but usually occurs at around 10-12 years of age.
Testicular growth, sperm production, appearance of facial, pubic, and other body hair,
and deepening of voice are some of the first signs of puberty in men.
Primary sex characteristics develop as the embryo grows in the womb as a result
of the chromosomes contained within the embryonic cells as well as hormonal
influences. About 5 weeks of pregnancy, two organs, called the gonads, form in the
embryo. In men, the gonads release testosterone that causes the male’s sex organs to
develop. During puberty, testosterone and other androgens stimulate the development
of primary and secondary sex characteristics and also increase one’s sex drive. In women,
the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone as well as small amount of testosterone.
Estrogen promotes female reproductive capacity and secondary sex characteristics.
Progesterone stimulates growth of the female productive organs and prepares the
uterus for pregnancy. Unlike men, however, female sex hormones are not produced
consistently. Their production follows a cyclical pattern, on an approximately 28-day
monthly cycle. The greatest production occurs during the ovulation period, when an egg
is released from the ovaries. Ovulation period can occur 14 days after the beginning of
the menstrual period.
The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for reproduction and
sexual function. The female reproductive system is composed of the clitoris, the vagina,
the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and the two ovaries. The clitoris which is made of erectile
tissue swells with blood and hardens when woman is sexually aroused. The vagina is a
muscular tube that serves as a receptacle for the penis and carrier of the sperm to the
uterus. It is also the birth canal where the fetus passes out of a mother’s body. The two
ovaries produce, store, and release the egg cell during ovulation. The uterus is a hollow
organ where the fertilized embryo grows to become a fetus. The lower part of the uterus
is called the cervix, a passageway between the uterus and the vagina that expands
during childbirth. The fallopian tubes carry the fertilized egg from the ovary to the
uterus. Pregnancy starts from fertilization and end at birth, for an approximate duration
of 260 days.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

On the other hand, the male reproductive system includes the penis, the testes,
the scrotum, the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, the vas deferens, and the
epididymis. The penis is the organ through which males urinate and deliver the sperm
cells into the vagina during sexual intercourse. It is made up of sensitive tissues and
nerve endings. When a man is sexually aroused, it becomes erect and allows for
penetration. Before reaching the penis, sperm cells travel through the prostate gland and
seminal vesicles. The testes or testicles located in a loose pouch-like sac of skin called the
scrotum and are responsible for the production of sperm cells and male sex hormones.
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The vas deferens transports the sperm-containing fluid called semen. The epididymis is a
set of coiled ducts connected to the vas deferens where the sperm cells are stored. The
prostate gland and seminal vesicles produces semen and nourish the sperm cells.
Ejaculation is the release of sperm cells from the penis. Each ejaculation approximately
contains 300- 500 million sperm cells. Sperm cells can live up to 48 hours inside the
uterus.

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

SEXUAL AROUSAL AND EROGENOUS ZONES: WHAT TURNS PEOPLE ON

Human sexual arousal is complex. It may be produced by direct stimulation of the

body’s erogenous zones on the areas of the body that provide pleasure. Erogenous
zones are areas of the body which are highly sensitive and produce sexual responses
when stimulated. These include the genitals, mouth, breasts, ears, anus, and to a lesser
degree, the entire surface of the body. One of the most basic forms of sexual stimulation
is masturbation or self-stimulation that causes sexual pleasure or orgasm. It involves the
rubbing or fondling of the genital areas and provides a good index of sexual desire
because it is not constrained by the availability of a partner. Other sexual activities such
as intimate kissing, cuddling, necking, or touching the erogenous zones may be uniquely
important to sexual arousal.
In many species, sexual arousal is closely tied to variations in hormonal levels. In
humans, however, hormones play less of a role. In one sense, the brain is where sexual
desire originates and where sexual behavior is controlled (Atkinson, Atkinson, Smith,
Bem, & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2009). Cognitive factors thus play an important role in sexually
aroused by creating or fantasizing erotic images. In other words, sexual fantasies play a
significant role in sexual arousal (Feldman, 2010). Many believe that compared with
women, men think about sex more often because they report more frequent sex
fantasies and more frequent feelings of sexual desire. Nevertheless, women tend to place
more emphasis on emotional closeness with a lover than men do. Overall, women and
men have equal potential for sexual arousal and women are no less physically responsive
than men (Peplau, 2003).
Culture also influences the expression of sexual desire. Norms continue to shape
sexual activity along socially acceptable behavior. For instance, masturbation and
premarital sex are discouraged in most cultures. Expression of sexual desire is also
influenced by sexual scripts or the stereotyped patterns of expectations on how people
should behave sexually. For example, some people believe that sex should be done only
within marriage. In some cultures, expression of sexual desire and engaging in premarital
sex are taboo for women.
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THE PHASES OF SEXUAL PURPOSE

William Masters and Virginia Johnson found that the biological responses of
males and females to sexual stimulation are quite similar. The use the term sexual-
response cycle to describe the changes that occur in the body as men and women
become sexually aroused. They divide the sexual-response cycle into four phases:
excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
The excitement phase is the beginning of the sexual arousal and can last from
one minute to several hours. During this phase, pulse rate increases, blood pressure rises,
breathing quickens, and the skin shows a rosy flush particularly on the chest and breast
areas. The nipples harden in both men and women. In men, the penis becomes erect, the
skin of the scrotum thickens, and the testes increase in size. In women, the clitoris swells,
the lips of the vagina open and its insides become wet in preparation for sexual
intercourse.
In the plateau phase, the changes in the bod continue. In men, the penis becomes
more erect, the circumference of its head increases, and few drops of fluid are released.
In women, the outer part of the vagina swells with the surge of increased amounts of
blood to that area, while the clitoris retracts under the clitoral hood but remains highly
sensitive. The outer lips of the vagina become redder in color. Breathing becomes more
rapid, heart rate increases, body temperature rises, and blood pressure increases during
this stage.
During the orgasmic phase, contractions of the muscles in and around the penis
stimulate the release of the semen which contains sperm cells. Men usually achieve one
intense orgasm during sexual intercourse. In women, orgasm involves the contraction of
the pelvic muscles that surround the vaginal walls and can happen multiple times.
In the resolution phase, the body turns to its normal state of orgasm. In men, the
erection is lost, the testes decrease in size, and the skin of the scrotum thins again. In
women, the clitoris, and the vagina return to their normal state.

ATTRACTION, LOVE, AND ATTACHMENT

As adolescents grow and mature, the make new patterns of relationships and
commitments with other people. While these new patterns of relationships ma change as
they mature, they could form the foundations on which intimacy during adulthood will
be established. During adolescence, dating and courtship emerge and become
increasingly important.
Puberty is an important stage in sexual development. It is the time when many
boys and girls first experience their first sexual attraction. Initial attraction is influenced
by social norms, physical attractiveness, and processes of interpersonal exchange
(DeLamater and Myers, 2012). Social norms influence attraction in several ways such as in
determining who are appropriate as lovers and spouses. Physical attractiveness refers to
the degree to which person’s physical traits are regarded as aesthetically pleasing or
beautiful. Social exchange theory proposes that attraction is the result of an exchange
process. People tend to view relationships as the result of the rewards and costs they
entail. As the relationship develops the sharing of activities and information contributes
to increased attraction, liking, trust, and love.
Romantic love includes a complex combination of different emotions such as
fear, anger, sexual desire, joy, and jealousy. Some of these emotions may also be sources
of sufferings (Santrock, 2002). In the context of interpersonal relationships, psychologist,
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Robert Sternberg suggests that there are three components of love; intimacy, passion,
and commitment (Bauermeister, Johns, Pingel, Eisenberg, Santana, and Zimmerman,
2011). The intimacy component refers to the feelings of closeness, connectedness, and
bondedness. The passion component refers to the decision to love and the commitment
to maintain that love. Love is classified based on the combination of any of these
components. Romantic love has strong components of sexual attraction and infatuation,
and is often experienced in the early stage of a love relationship (Santrock, 2002).

Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist and expert in the science of human

attraction, suggests the important ingredients of romantic love; lust, attraction, and
attachment. Lust is driven by the desire for sexual gratification. Attraction is often
associated with sexual attraction. Attachment occurs when individuals desire to connect
with another person intimately. It may also be called affectionate or companionate love.
John Bowlby defines attachment as a strong affectional tie that binds a person to an
intimate companion. Bowlby maintains that the quality of early parent-child attachment
has lasting impact on the kind of relationships people have later in life, including
romantic relationships. In other words, the ability to form stable and close relationships
begin at intimacy, in a child’s earliest experiences with a caregiver who meets his or her
needs.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Sexual orientation refers to a person’s sexual identity anchored on what gender

they are attracted to. The most common sexual orientation in which one is sexually
attracted to members of the opposite sex is heterosexuality. Homosexuality, on the other
hand, is the orientation of one who is sexually attracted to the same sex. Homosexual
males are referred to as gays, while homosexual females are referred to as lesbians.
Bisexuality is an orientation where one is attracted to both opposite and same sex.
Theories of the origins of sexual orientation look at both the biological makeup
of the individual and environmental influences on his or her orientation (Rathus, 2017).
Some explanations for homosexuality and bisexuality are biological in nature, suggesting
that genetic factors such as hormones and certain neural systems may also play a role in
sexual orientation. Nevertheless, research studies on the biological causes of
homosexuality and bisexuality are not conclusive. Reinforcement and observational
learning might also affect an individual’s sexual orientation.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) AND EARLY PREGNANCY

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are

contracted primarily through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Many STIs affect
the sex organs themselves while others have broader and more life-threatening effects.
Bacterial infections are treatable with antibiotics, but those caused by viruses are more
difficult to treat and are often incurable such as HIV/AIDS. However, even curable
bacterial infections can cause serious health problems if ignored and left untreated, and
some bacterial infections are difficult to detect because some symptoms are not
immediately noticeable. STIs commonly include human immunodeficiency virus/acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes,
and genital warts.
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HIV/AIDS infections are caused by direct contact with body fluids such as through
blood transfusion, breast feeding, and sexual intercourse. It attacks the immune system
and the infected person eventually dies. Gonorrhea is caused by gonococcal bacteria
which attack the lining of the mucous membrane such as the mouth, throat, vagina, and
urethra. Gonorrhea can be treated by penicillin or other antibiotics. Syphilis infects the
genital areas and other parts of the body including the brain and can cause paralysis or
even death when left untreated. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium chlamydia
trachomatis. In men, chlamydia can cause swollen testicles and a burning sensation
during urination. It can result in sterility among women if left untreated because it
damages the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Genital herpes can cause itching and
tingling sensations, abscesses, and blisters in the genial area. There is no cure for herpes.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and women with human
papillomavirus are prone to cervical cancer. Though the warts can be removed, they may
recur.
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of STIs and STDs and should practice safe
sex. However, it is important to remember that not having sex can be the safest sex
method to avoid all forms of STIs and STDs as well as other problems such as early
pregnancy. The consequences of high teenage pregnancy in the Philippines remain a
major concern. Early pregnancy creates health risks among young mothers and their
babies since female reproductive organs are not yet mature during adolescence and
complications may arise during pregnancy and childbirth.

METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION AND THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW

Over the years, sexual activities have become less restricted. Premarital sex is now
more accepted. Over the past several decades, there has been a gradual trend toward
initiating sex at an earlier age (Atkinson, Atkinson, Smith, Bem, & Nolen-Hoeksema,
2009). Alarmed by the rising cases of HIV/AIDS and early pregnancy cases among
Filipinos, some government officials are calling for stronger programs of sex education
that include information about the different forms of contraception.
Contraception refers to methods that are used to prevent pregnancy. One
common method of contraception is the use of condoms which can also prevent some
STIs. Other common methods of contraception available in the Philippines include
intrauterine device or IUD, a tiny device made of flexible plastic that is inserted in the
uterus to prevent pregnancy; birth control injectibles that are given every three months
to women, oral contraceptive pills which are taken every day; and withdrawal method.

1. Condom 2. Oral Contraceptive Pills

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3. Intrauterine Device or IUD 4. Birth Control Injections

In the calendar method, the number of days in each menstrual cycle is recorded
and the couple avoids sex during the fertile-period. On the other hand, the cervical
mucus method, also called the Billings ovulation method, is a type of natural family
planning method based on careful observation of mucus patterns during the course of
the menstrual cycle. The mucus patterns may help in determining when a woman is most
likely to conceive or not. As pointed out earlier, however, abstaining from sexual
intercourse is the best method in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections or diseases.
Studies show that contraceptive use is low particularly among sexually active
adolescents. Thus, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, also
known as Reproductive Health Law or RH Law, guarantees universal access to methods of
contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. The RH law provides
for the “prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other STIs/STDs,” especially since the
number of HIV cases among the youth is rising. Further, the RH Law aims to keep
couples and women especially, well-informed about
Available family planning methods that they can freely use depending on their
needs and beliefs. It also aims to promote awareness among adolescent and youth on
sexuality and reproductive health through proper sex education.

EVALUATION

Name: ___________________________________________ Date:______________

Course & Year: __________________________________ Score:____________
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Unpacking the Self /Managing and Caring for the Self

A. Fill in the blanks

1. Masters and Johnson divide the sexual response cycle into four phases: the
excitement, plateau,___________________________________, and resolution.

2. In women, the ___________________________________produce estrogen and progesterone.

3. The most common sexual orientation is _______________________________________________.

4.___________________________________is a law that guarantees universal access to methods

of contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care.

5. _________________________people are those who believe they were born with the body of
the opposite sex.

6.________________________________________is a sexually transmitted disease which is caused

by gonococcal bacteria.

7. Sternberg suggest that there are three components of

love:______________________________,passion, and commitment.

8. ________________________________refers to methods that are used to prevent pregnancy.

9. The ___________________________________is responsible for the production of sperm cells

and male sex hormones.

10.________________________________are attracted to and interested in relationship with

people of the same sex.

B. Write a short reflection paper about the results of the survey.

1. Answer the Love Scale Test. Think of the person you love most
passionately right now, and answer the items in the Love Scale Test at as
truthfully as possible. If you are not in love right now, think of the last
person you loved passionately. Write a short reflection paper about the
results of the survey.
https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/deep-love-quiz/

My Reflection
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C. Essay. Write an essay on the three most important things you learned
from the results of the assessment activity. What are your insights and how
are you going to apply your insights in understanding your sexual self?

My Reflection

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Chapter
8
Material Self
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Overview
A person's tangible possessions like his or her car, house, clothes, even family and
friends make up his or her material self. Regardless of how much or how little a person
owns materially, he or she will always strive to acquire more because material
possessions are usually a reflection of a person's success or failure.

This chapter begins with a description of the material self and the components of
the material self. The motives for acquiring material possessions are explained, as well as
the key roles that media can play in a person's desire to acquire material possessions.

Objectives
At the end of the chapter, you should be able to:

1. develop understanding about the material self;

2. describe the basic components of the material self;
3. discuss the influence of media in people's acquisition of material possessions;
4. develop qualities of a wise buyer

Discussion
Material Self
According to William James (1980, p. 291), the self is everything that an individual
considers to be his or hers, not only his or her body and material possessions but also his
or her reputation and beliefs. The self, therefore, is composed of the material self which
is the manifestation of one's identity through his material possessions.

The basic component of the material self includes the body. One of the tasks of
adolescents is to accept and appreciate the physical characteristics of their body.
However, few adolescents are able to do physical appearance. Generally, girls are more
concerned about the this successfully. Adolescents tend to worry about their bodies and
appearance of their body than boys. Perceptions about what makes a body beautiful are
usually influenced by the media as shown in television and the internet.

Another component of the material self is the clothes that people wear. Clothes
represent the self. The style and brand become significant symbols, particularly among
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Unpacking the Self /Managing and Caring for the Self

adolescents. The clothes they tend to wear are greatly influenced by their peer groups
because adolescents are anxious to conform to what their peer groups find fashionable
and attractive.

Apart from clothes, the material component of the self can peer groups find
fashionable and attractive. It include one's house, car, pets, and other things that he or
she considers as his or her possession. The material component of the self also includes
people an individual has relationships with such as one's immediate and extended family
members as well as close friends with whom one feels psychologically connected. These
people are likely to shape and influence the development of one's self and identity. Pets
could also symbolically define a person's identity. A person's pet could be an expression
of one's social status, pride, and prestige, as in owning a dog or cat of a very expensive
breed.

The Role of Material Possessions on the Sense of Self and Identity

Regardless of how much or how little material possessions people have, they remain
valuable because these possessions are symbolic of one's social status. Cars, houses,
gadgets, and clothes are to some the most valuable possessions because they are the
most visible in the eyes of others. The more expensive they are, the more other people
are impressed. Russell Belk (1988) in his work Are We What We Own?, suggests that
material possessions act as an objective manifestation of the self. Material possessions
can be a reflection of hard work and success. Normally, people tend to measure success
through the amount of their material possessions. Owning material possessions becomes
a driving force in urging an individual to seek high level of achievement in order to be
able to acquire more possessions.

Defining the self by material possessions can also contribute to a feeling of well-
being, including a sense of personal growth and purpose or meaning in life. However,
the lack or loss of material possessions can be disruptive to one's mental health, like
people losing, houses and other possessions because of disasters and calamities. People
tend to judge others through their material possessions. Thus, the greater the material
possessions, the more likely one will be accepted and regarded well by other people. The
important point is that these components of the material self become a significant
reference of one's sense of self and identity.

However, the desire for material possessions also have negative effects on one's
sense of self and identity. Materialism refers to giving more importance to material
possessions than intangible values. A materialistic person is one who is excessively
concerned with the acquisition of material possessions. The strong desire for material
possessions could lead to psychological dysfunction or impairment in functioning such
as compulsive buying disorder (CBD) which is characterized by an obsession with
shopping and buying behaviors that can cause adverse consequences (e.g., debts).

Developmental evidence suggests that identification with material things begins

quite early in life but remains high throughout life as people seek for happiness (Belk,
1988). Nevertheless, psychologists identify other social and cultural factors that seem to
be strongly implicated in the etiology of materialism. People are exposed to images in
television, the internet, and magazines that brag about the importance of material
possessions such as branded clothes, mobile phones, cars, and the like. Lack or loss of
these material possessions could lead to anxiety, insecurity, and depression in people
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who are overly materialistic. Thus, when a person is about to make a purchase he or she
should ask himself or herself a very important question DOI REALLY NEED THIS?

Consumer Culture
Consumer culture is a social system in which consumption is dominated by the
consumption of commercial products (Arnould, 2010). Consumer culture denotes a social
arrangement in which the relations between lived culture and social resources, and
between meaningful ways of life and the symbolic and material resources on which they
depend on, are mediated through markets. The consumption of market-made
commodities and desire-inducing marketing symbols is central to consumer culture
(Arnould & Craig, 2005). A consumerist society is one in which people spend a great deal
of time, money, and energy to "consume" commercial products, goods, and services.
Consumerism is the consumption of material goods and services in excess of one's basic
needs. Consumerism is closely tied to materialism. Both heavily influence the way
individuals view the self. It can be viewed positively and negatively. For instance, people
tend to be happier and more motivated when their wants end needs are met. On the
other hand, it encourages people to buy products and services that they do not really
need or afford. The state of needs and wants tends to be endless, and thus could cause
negative effects such as dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and depression.

EVALUATION
Name: _________________________________________________________Date: _____________________
Course & Year: ________________________________________________Score:_____________________
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A. Write your most treasured material possessions and explain the reasons why you
consider them be so.

a. Body part

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b. Clothes

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c. People

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D. Other material possessions

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______________________________________________________________________________________________
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B. Debit Card Challenge

A very wealthy person gave you a debit card and told you to use it as much as you
want to make yourself happy. What are you going to do with your debit card? Make a list
of what you want to have. Write as many as you want.

LIST
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NOTE: Put mark/letter on the left side of each item with the following categories

B - if item is related with your body

C - if the item is related with clothes

F - if the item is related or intended to your family

H - if the item is related with home

ANALYSIS
Answer the following questions:

1. What did you feel as you do the Debit Card Challenge?

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______________________________________________________________________________________________
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2. Which among categories you have the most in your list?

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3. Which among the items in your list you like most? Why?

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4. What do you think these things tell you about yourself?

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5. If ever you were given a chance in real life to have one among the list, which will you
choose? Why?

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C. Draw/take a picture with you of one material thing that you possess and has
personal significance or meaning to you. Why do you find that particular object
personally relevant or meaningful to you? Discuss your answer.

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Module
9
SPIRITUAL SELF
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Overview
Spirituality influences the individual through acts of faith, hope and love. This
chapter provides an overview of spirituality and religion. It also includes topics on the
practice of animism.

Objectives
At the end of the chapter, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the spiritual self;

2. Explain the importance of spirituality in one's life:
3. Discuss how spirituality is connected to religion;
4. Describe how spirituality develops; and
5. Analyze how spirituality animism are associated.

Discussion
The Spiritual Self
The spiritual aspect of the self is the inner essence, the part of the self that connects
the person to the sacred, the supernatural, and the universe. The spiritual self enables
the person to experience a feeling of oneness with a higher being and the universe and
gives a deeper purpose or meaning of one's life. Understanding and nurturing the
spiritual self is as important as with the other aspects of the self. The spiritual self
develops through interaction, observation, and imitation. The family, school, and church
play a very important role in a child's spiritual development. Spirituality begins at an
early age but develops throughout life as people continuously interact in the
environment.

Spirituality
The root meaning of spirituality is taken from the Latin word spiritus, meaning
breath or life force. Spirituality can be understood as the search for the sacred, a process
through which people seek to discover, hold on to, and, when necessary, transform
whatever they hold sacred in their lives (Hill & Pargament, 2003). Spirituality generally
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refers to meaning and purpose in one's life, a search for could refer to a higher being
(Hage, Siegel, Payton, & DeFanti, 2006). The sacred transcendence could refer to a higher
being .

The term "spirituality" originally developed in early Christianity. Christians use the
term "Spirit" to describe the Holy Spirit. In Christian Ethics, Peschke (1994) describes that
the experience of the sacred is characterized by reverence, faith, fear, trust, love, and
admiration which are intimately connected to God. Worship is regarded as an essential
act to realize the ultimate meaning of transcendence and human life. Acts of worship
may include prayer, reading the Bible, attending sacraments, and doing sacrifices. In
addition, through acts of faith, hope, and love, man is able to encounter God and
understand God's words of salvation.

Spirituality is connected with religion. Religion is an organized system of ideas about

the spiritual sphere or the supernatural along with associated ceremonial practices by
which people try to interpret and/or influence aspects of the universe otherwise beyond
their control. All religions recognize the importance of spirituality in one's life. One's
spirituality may be expressed through religion and participation in religious rituals and
ceremonies (Haviland, Prins, Walrath, & McBride, 2013). Spirituality and religion fulfill
numerous social and psychological needs, such as the need to explain human sufferings
and death. Through the practice of religious activities such as prayers, people may find
comfort, security, and stability in times of sufferings, loss, insecurities, and uncertainties.

Spirituality and religion may be a source of love, hope, and affection (Brown & Parrish,
2011).

Search for the Meaning of Life

In his book Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl begins by sharing his personal
experiences in the Nazi concentration camp. He explains how a prisoner passes through
three major phases in the concentration camp, and how each phase transformed the
prisoners from their previous lives to a new one and how they developed various
pathologies. The prisoner was first in a state of shock, which was followed by the phase
of developing apathy, and lastly, the psychology of the prisoner after liberation. Apathy
is the blunting of the emotions a the feeling that one could not care anymore. It is a
protective shell om the brutalities in the camp. During the last phase, the prisoners
experienced depersonalization or a state in which everything seemed unreal, unlikely, as
in a dream.

Frankl's personal experiences in the Nazi concentration camps during World War II
led him to develop the basic tenets of logotherapy, which were tested and found valid
even amid all the dark forces in human existence. Frankl embraced both the bright and
dark sides of human existence and believed that inevitable human suffering could
contribute to human achievement and the search of meaning in life. Logotherapy is the
pursuit of human existence as well as on man's search for such a meaning. According to
logotherapy, the striving to find a meaning in one's life is the primary motivational force
in man. In logotherapy, one can discover the meaning of life in three different ways: by
doing a deed, by experiencing a value, and by suffering.

In doing a deed, the way of finding meaning in life is through achievements or

accomplishments. The second way of finding meaning in life is by experiencing
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something or someone, such as loving a person. Frankl elaborates that love is the only
way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his or her personality. No
one can become fully aware of the essence of another human being unless he or she
loves him or her. By his or her love, he or she is enabled to see the essential traits and
features of the beloved person. Thus, he imparts that the salvation of man is through
love and in love. Love finds its deepest meaning in one's spiritual being-the inner self.

The third way of finding a meaning in life is by suffering. According to Frankl, it is

through sufferings that man encounter the central theme of existentialism: to live is to
suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering. If there is purpose in life at all, there
must be a purpose in suffering and in dying. But no one can tell another what this
purpose is. Each one must find out for himself or herself, and must accept the
responsibility that his or her answers prescribe. Ifhe or she succeeds, he or she will
continue to grow in spite of an indignities. Thus, Frankl is fond of quoting Nietzsche, "He
who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

Frankl further suggests that one should not search for an abstract meaning of life.
Everyone has his or her own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out
a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Ultimately, one should not ask what the
meaning his or her life is, but rather must recognize that it is he or she who is asked. In a
word, each individual is questioned by life; and he or she can only answer to life by
answering for his or her own life; to life he or she can only respond by being responsible.

The Practice of Animism

Spirituality is also associated with animism. Beliefs about the sacred also include the
primitive concept about animism or the belief that creatures, objects, and places possess
certain spirits. Animism is also the belief that things and places are alive and grounded
by a supernatural order. In the Philippines, indigenous peoples are known to practice
animism. Some groups, for example, believe that the spirits of the sun, sky, and moon
are their gods and that different deities exist to protect them and guide them toward a
fruitful life. Others believe that spirits inhabit animals and nature such as trees, rocks,
mountains, and bodies of water, among others, and that respect must be given to them
through acts of worship (e.g., offerings, prayers, sacrifices) to please or appease them.
Being linked with folk belief, animism cultivates among people a consciousness of the
environment that they are in, thus making them more mindful of how they act according
to the different things they come in contact with.

EVALUATION

Name: ___________________________________________ Date ______________

Course & Year: __________________________________ Score:_____________

ESSAY. Answer the following questions.

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1. Distinguish the difference between belief in spirits and belief in the Holy Spirit.

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2. What is the relationship between religion and spirituality?

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3. Give at least two kinds of spiritual beliefs (animism) in the Philippines . What
are the reasons for having those spiritual beliefs?

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4. What are the functions of religion in developing the spiritual self?

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Chapter
10
POLITICAL SELF
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Overview
The hierarchical structure of the family influences the political self through the
obligations and expectations associated with one's role as a member of the family and
the power and status related with one's position in the family. An important prelude to
the study of political self is understanding the concept of politics. Hence, this chapter
begins with defining politics. It includes concepts on political community, socialization,
social interaction, and citizenship. It also defines political self and describes the influence
of family, school, church, peers, and media on the development of political self. The
chapter ends with descriptions of the theoretical perspectives of political self.

Objectives
At the end of the chapter, you should be able to:

1. Describe the nature, functions, and origins of political self;

2. Discuss the role of family, school, church, peer groups, and media in the development
of political self;
3. Determine the importance of social interaction in developing the political self; and
4. Identify and describe the theoretical perspectives in the development of political self.

Discussion

Understanding Politics
Kendall (1998) defines politics as a social institution through which power is acquired
and exercised by people and groups. Aristotle's work, Politics, he describes the role that
politics and the political community must play in bringing about the virtuous life in the
citizenry. He observes that "man is by nature a political animal" Politics is an important
part of human development because it promotes ideologies about democracy,
citizenship, human rights, freedom, family, health, and other social issues. Politics exists
in all human societies. It serves as the mechanism by which individuals develop power
and understand proper functioning of a democratic society as a citizen. The term
denotes the membership of a citizen in a political society As a citizen, a person enjoys
full civil and political rights, including protection inside and outside the territory of the
state.
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Stevens, Anglin, and Jussim (2015) cite that in some people, politics is a central
component of their identity. For others, politics may be a more peripheral concern but
temporarily becomes a central one in certain situations. The political community where
people belong offers an opportunity for them to define themselves and provide
opportunities to satisfy their needs for affiliation. The political self organizes one's
beliefs, attitudes, and affiliations and aids in the processing of politically relevant
information. People use their political values and belief systems to define themselves as
unique individuals of society.

Political Self and Identity

As an essential part of the self, the political self organizes self- relevant information
about politics. It constitutes knowledge about the Constitution, government, and
governance. The political self helps in defining the structure and functions of the
government, in telling and understanding the relationship between the state and the
citizens, and in describing their rights, freedom, and obligations as citizens. The political
self exemplifies the ideals and aspirations of the people, embodies the rules and
principles of the State, and determines the status and power of the people.

One important component of political self is identity, the person's understanding of

who and what he or she is. Citizenship becomes a salient basis for political self. The
political self is often defined by citizenship. In her book, Democracy and Citizenship, Ma.
Serena Diokno (1997) mentions that citizenship is the most basic identification with the
nation and, as such, is oriented towards the state and its expressions In law and policy,
From the social and psychological perspectives, the individual's claim to citizenship
means that the person relates himself or herself to a group of others who also see
themselves as a citizen of a larger polity. The institutions which influence the values
citizenship are the family, church, school, media, government, and as non-governmental
organizations. As such, the political self is also in part defined by reference to other
members in the political group or community where one belongs.

The value component of identity construction is shaped by societal agencies that

enter the life of the individual from childhood all the way through adulthood (Diokno,
1997). The political self and identity are developed through socialization, through the
ways people learn the knowledge, norms, values, motives, and roles appropriate to their
positions in a group or community. Social interaction may significantly influence a
person's understanding of politics, and perhaps a person's political actions in the future.
Through social interaction, people learn the status, duties, rights, and power necessary to
interact successfully with other people in the group or community. Over time, individuals
internalize the political attitudes, values, and views of others, and incorporate them into
their political self. Throughout life, as individuals meet new people and join new groups,
the political self is influenced and modified by the opinions, comments, and suggestions
of other people.

The Origins of Political Self

The family has a hierarchical structure which requires each member to perform his or
her role. Each position carries a set of rights, responsibilities, and expectations. Through
the hierarchy of positions, status and power are ascribed. The family consists of members
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who differ in status, obligations, influence, or power. Traditionally, the father is the most
influential member of the family. He acts as the leader and establishes rules to maintain
order in the family. His role as the leader entails power and authority. He coordinates
with the mother in helping the children perform the roles necessary for a successful
family. From an early age, individuals are taught to obey and treat parents with respect
and conform to their rules.

This shows that authority is necessary in the development of the political self and
identity, which is established by the father and the mother. Children must be governed;
thus, there must be some form of established status and power in the family. The
ordered positions and ascribed roles in the family prepare children for several and big
her roles external to the family, in the context of being a citizen of the state. Aristotle
considers the state as a natural union of families, established for the common good
under a definite government. Thus, the family makes the most contribution to the child's
development of political self.

The first and foremost duty of parents is to educate the children about basic values
and beliefs. The process of learning is imbued with values and beliefs through
identification. Morality underlies political values and beliefs. The family directly and
indirectly influences a person's political attitudes, views, and beliefs. The Philippine
Constitution thus recognizes the duty and responsibility of parents to educate and train
their children to become good, useful, and worthy citizens of the country and to prepare
them for future responsibilities.

Equally, the Philippine Constitution recognizes the vital role of schools in inculcating
among the youth the value of patriotism and nationalism and in encouraging their
involvement in public and civic affairs of the country. While parents teach their children
basic values and discipline, schools have the responsibility in the formal education and
training of children. One of the responsibilities of schools is to teach moral, spiritual, and
political values that will help the students to become patriotic and morally upright
citizens. The school has a similar structure to the family, with the teacher acting as the
leader of the group. In terms of the functionality of status and power, students will more
likely comply with rules in school because it entails serious and greater consequences.

The church also helps shape the ideals of citizenship and democracy through their
religious teachings, values, and traditions. Consequently, how the family, school, and
church emphasize moral behaviors may also influence political behaviors and the
political *ell. On the other hand, peers are also important in influencing the Political self.
The family and school consist of members who are different in status and in status. Thus,
interaction with peers encompasses and emphasizes the equal distribution of power,
rights, and privileges among members of the group. Mass media could also be a key
source of information on politics, and thus may influence an individual's political values
and beliefs.

Theories of Political Self

According to the social learning theory, a person can acquire learning through
observation and imitation. In imitation, the learner watches the behavior of another
person (model) and then performs the behavior in a similar way. Observation and
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imitation are important in a process known as political socialization, the lifelong process
by which individuals gain knowledge about politics. In everyday life, social interaction
significantly influences a person's understanding of politics. Through the process of
identification, individuals (especially children and adolescents) incorporate the
characteristics or traits as well as the values, beliefs, and motives of the models (parents
or significant people) they look up to.

Another theory in political self is the cognitive theory which suggests that the mental
activities (e.g., knowledge, perceptions, ideas) of individuals are important determinants
of behavior (e.g., political attitudes). For example, individuals interpret the meaning of
politics and then choose and decide the actions they will make.

The theory of symbolic interaction suggests that behaviors are products of

communication, meaning, and symbols. People give meanings to symbols and they
express these meanings through language and communication. For example, children
develop political attitudes according to the symbols and meanings that their parents
communicate to them. Based on the symbols and meanings that people ascribe to
objects (e.g., politics, human rights, freedom) people can formulate plans of action (e.g.,
election, demonstrations rally).

This recognizes the importance of the theory of political participation in political self.
Political participation can be defined s citizen's actions or activities anchored in politics.
Thus, any activity concerning the government or governance of the state is an example
of political participation. The extent and scope of political participation may be an
important criteria for assessing the value or quality of symbols and meanings that people
ascribe to politics. Nonetheless, in order for political participation to work in a society, a
covenant of mutual trust and respect among members of the society must exist. To
sustain this covenant, there must be an open flow of communication and feedback from
the members. All members must also commit to and take responsibility for fostering and
maintaining an environment in which political participation can occur. For instance,
ordinary Filipino citizens must be allowed to take part in the policy and decision-making
process regarding the administration of the country which is in accordance to the
democratic nature of the Philippine society.

EVALUATION

1. Enumerate at least five functions of the political self.

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2. Explain the origins of the political self. Discuss how the family, school, church,
peer groups, and media affect the development of the political self.

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3. Identify current political issues in he Philippines and recount the circumstances

that led to the issue. As a citizen, what can you do to prevent the issues from
recurring?

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______________________________________________________________________________________
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4. Give at least three problems that ail the Philippine political system. Explain how
these problems can affect your political views and beliefs. Discuss your answers.

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5. The lives of national heroes are great sources of inspiration. Choose one
Filipino hero. Identify his or her courageous and heroic acts which make him or
her worthy of respect and emulation. Identify your characteristics which are
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Unpacking the Self /Managing and Caring for the Self

similar to the hero you have chosen and the things that you can do for the
country.

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Chapter
11
DIGITAL SELF
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Overview
This chapter explains the concept of digital self and the importance of digital
technology in human activities. It also presents the implications of and the ethical issues
involved in sharing personal information especially in social networks.

Objectives
At the end of the chapter, you should be able to:

1. Define digital self;

2. Explain the role of mobile phones, internet, and social networking in developing the
digital self;
3. Identify the Filipino values of social networking;
4. Explain the role of the government, school, and church in the prevention of identity
theft, false information, and fake news; and
5. Describe the provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Discussion

Digital Self
Among the Filipino youth, the use of digital technology has now become part of the
self-the digital self. The digital self is the aspect of the self that is expressed or shared
with others through online interactions on the internet, specifically in social networking
sites. On such sites, users normally disclose personal information such as their name,
age, birthdate, address, and contact details. Some users also provide very personal
information about themselves such as their likes and dislikes, hobbies, favorite food,
favorite movies, places they have visited, relationship status, thoughts and feelings, and
important events in their lives. This sharing of personal information on social networking
sites may be related to the strong desire of adolescents for social approval and
acceptance. Similar can be said about adults.

Self-Presentation and Impression Management

John DeLamater and Daniel Myers (2012) cite that the self is heavily influenced by
feedback from others. The impact of others whom people interact with depends upon
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Unpacking the Self /Managing and Caring for the Self

the nature of one's relationship with them. Interaction with significant others may be
very influential to how one presents himself or herself in a virtual space. The view of
others through online interactions (social networking) important that they become part
of the self. Personal information that individuals disclose through online interaction
which others judge favorably through "liking" and "reacting" contribute to positive self-
concepts. Nevertheless, people try to present themselves in such way to impress-that is,
to create positive impressions in the eyes of other people. Self-presentation refers to an
individual's attempts, both conscious and unconscious, to control how he or she projects
himself or herself in social interactions. Some forms self-presentation may be authentic,
but some may be tactical or selective. Self-presentation is inherent in all situations. The
widespread use of online interactions has increased the opportunities to engage in self-
presentation and impression management. Most people strive to create images that are
positive. Thus, individuals use several methods to create positive impressions of them.
Some individuals try to alter their appearances through what they post on social
networking sites such as Face book, Instagram, and Twitter by using photo editing tools.
The desire to impress other people on social media may lead to showing off one's work,
achievements, and material possessions in a virtual place.

Nevertheless, the desire to create positive impressions and to be "liked" by others

may lead to consequences that can be risky to one's security and mental health, such as
identity theft, cyber bullying, gossiping as well as anxiety and depression. Thus,
individuals should be very careful with what they post or share on social networking
sites. People should still be mindful of their privacy using social networking sites.

Expression of Gender and sexuality Online

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines sexuality as the quality or state of being
sexual while gender is the psychological identification of a person as masculine or
feminine. Both could affect not only how people think about themselves but also their
relationships with others and how others think of them as well (Cicarelli & White, 2012).
Individuals tend to be categorized based on their gender identities d sexuality in
different types of situations that are visible in different forms of media, especially social
media. The portrayal of male and female behaviors in media could affect the
construction of appropriate sexual behaviors of people, especially adolescents. The
internet and social networking sites provide channels for the dissemination of
information, including information about gender identity and sexuality. For this reason,
better and accurate information is now becoming available. The Psychological
Association of the Philippines (PAP), for example, provides scientific knowledge on the
application of psychological theories, concepts, and principles on gender identity and
sexual orientation to benefit society and improve the lives of the members of the
LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, +) community. In the PAP website,
online resources and publications on LGBTQ+ issues, resources, and information
addresses bias and discrimination issues. With the increasing urgency to uphold human
rights and to protect the dignity and equality of all persons of various sexual
orientations, a measure prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or
gender identity or expression is developed. In particular, the Anti-Discrimination Act aims
to protect the rights and welfare of the LGBTQ+ people in the Philippines. The act
recognizes the important role of telecommunications and social media in protecting,
particularly, the LGBTQ+ people from discriminatory acts.
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Unpacking the Self /Managing and Caring for the Self

The Importance of Digital Technology

At present, the use of technology is essential for individual survival and for
communication with other people. Just as the use of technology is becoming important
for individuals, it is also developing to be important for the development of society. The
Business Dictionary defines technology as the application of information in the design,
production, and utilization of goods and services, and in the organization of human
activities. There have been so many technological advancements over the past years.
Technology has changed the social features of people's lives. It has altered the way
people view the social dimension of relationships and dictated new ways for people to
relate with one another. Advancements in computer and software technologies have

Reached an impressive level. These technologies improve not only very common
areas of people's daily life, but also areas of education, health and production industries
(Mishra, Misra, Muellerr, Perez, Bhatia, & Wang, 2014).

Forms of technology such as digital technology include all types of electronic

equipment and applications that use information in the form of numeric codes. Digital
technology includes the use of devices that process and use digital information such as
computers and mobile phones. Digital technology has enabled volumes of information
to be compressed in compact storage devices, so as to be easily contained and
delivered, minimizing the time it takes for data to be transmitted. Digital technology has
immensely changed the pattern of working as well as the learning of new concepts,
including communication. Innovations in mobile phones, for example, resulted in the
widespread use of the internet and social networking.

Impact of Online Interactions on the Self

The Philippines has the fastest growing internet population in Southeast Asia. This
can be rooted to majority of the Filipinos, particularly the youth, use the internet
primarily for social networking which is mostly used for communication, information, and
entertainment (Estuar, 2003; Bristol, Caro, Mangaliman, & Bernarte, 2013; Ignatius &
Hechanova, 2014).

Iqbal, Khan, & Malik (2017) suggest that mobile phones are ever more becoming a
very valuable part of the daily life of today's youth. They allow the users to keep in touch,
connect with people, d be updated on the activities and whereabouts of others.
However, use of digital technology and online interactions limit face-to-face interaction
with others and has drawn people away from meaningful and intimate communication
with families and friends. Hence, the growing use of the internet and social networking
sites changes the social behaviors of individuals, families, and societies as a whole.

Hechanova and Ortega-Go find that the use of internet has both positive and
negative outcomes. In their study, the use of internet can improve one's relationships
through easier ways of communicating. Social networking can be an important facility for
debates on current issues in the country such as political issues. It can also be a facility to
express the opinions, needs, and concerns of people. However, it is also through social
networking that identity theft, false information, and fake news are able to circulate.
Thus, the church, schools, and the government exert efforts to prevent and effectively
manage the spread of identity theft, false information, and fake news in the country.
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Unpacking the Self /Managing and Caring for the Self

Most users of social networking sites prefer to be: may and sometimes use false
names. Privacy and confidentiality should be a major concern, especially for adolescents
who may not be entirely aware of the consequences of sharing private information
online, for anyone to see. They usually post pictures and videos of themselves, their
friends, and family. Thus, adolescents are particularly susceptible to cyberbullying,
gossips, and stalking. For this reason, the government together with academic and even
religious institution in the Philippines make efforts to prevent and effectively manage the
spread of identity theft, false information, and fake news in the country.

Data Privacy Act

To protect the people from invasion of privacy, Republic Act 10173, otherwise
known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 was passed in the Philippines. It act states that:

It is the policy of the State to protect the fundamental human right of privacy, of
communication while ensuring free flow of information to promote innovation and
growth. The State recognizes the vital role of information and communications
technology in nation-building and its inherent obligation to ensure that personal
information in information and communications systems in the government and in
the private sector are secured and protected. Personal information in this context
refers to any information, whether recorded in a material form or not, from which
the identity of an individual is apparent or can be reasonably and directly
ascertained by the entity holding the information, or when put together with other
information would directly and certainly identify an individual.

EVALUATION

Name: ___________________________________________ Date:______________

Course & Year: __________________________________ Score: _____________
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Unpacking the Self /Managing and Caring for the Self

1. What are the basic ethical issues to consider when sharing personal information in
social networks?

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2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Data Privacy Act of 2012?

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3. What can you do to help prevent and effectively manage the spread of identity theft,
false information, and fake news in the country?

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______________________________________________________________________________________________
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4. Make a slogan or poster about becoming a responsible Internet user. Use coloring
materials to improve your output.

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