UNDERSTANDING THE SELF - Phrenology: character traits and mental
faculties are based on the size and contours of
the skull.
Module 1: The Multidisciplinary
- Graphology: an individual’s personality is
Perspectives of the Self analyzed based on the strokes, intensity,
shapes, size, slant, and patterns of handwriting.
➔ A multidisciplinary approach involves drawing - Others: superstitious beliefs, fengshui, divine
appropriately from multiple disciplines and intervention, etc.
diverse perspectives in viewing one’s Selfhood.
II. Contributions of Scientific Disciplines
THE NATURE OF SELF - Sociology: analysis of social structures, social
● Self-disclosure institutions, group behaviors to understand which
● Insights from how others perceive us an individual lives.
● From some theoretical concepts and empirical - Literature: novels, dramas, arts, and the
findings – from various scientific disciplines insights in individual’s actions in their own
These are all fundamental to: special words.
● Clear and valued Self-understanding and - Philosophy: wisdom, knowing who you are as
Self-worth explained by Plato, Aristotle, Hippocrates, etc.
● Interpersonal Effectiveness - Psychology: personality structures, interests,
● Holistic and Integrated Personhood abilities, growth and development, dynamics of
● Quality of LIfe and Relevant meaning of human behavior.
Existence - Cultural Anthropology: cultural norms and
values, social classes, historical background and
THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY BASES OF UNDSELF their impact on a person’s formation.
I. Influence of Pseudo-Scientific Approaches III. Influence and Significance of UndSelf in
- Palmistry: reading a person’s character and fate Various Setting
from the lines of the palms. - Personal growth and transformation
- Numerology: study of the occult significance of - Vocational choices and career development
numbers; the effect of numbers in our life. - Educational process
- Spiritualism: communication with the dead - Intra and Interpersonal relationships
through the living. - Human resource development
- Astrology: the supposed influences of stars and - Clinical/Medical assessments and Therapeutic
planets on human affairs and events. relationships
- Physiognomy: personality traits and - Manpower and Personnel service
temperament based on one’s appearance. - Government and Community service
IV. Other Key Constructs and Concepts of the
Self Why Understand the Self?
A. The ABCs of the Self (Brehm and Kassin ● Complexity of living (education, career,
1993) economics, relationships, mobility, cyber-
- Affective Self: manner in which individuals technology, life goals) Varied “worldviews”
evaluate themselves, enhance self-esteem and ● Changing family situation and structure and
protect their sense of self-worth. personal lifestyle, gender roles and
- Behavioral Self: manner in which individuals increasing crises in various forms
present themselves to others. (population, calamities, diseases, crimes,
- Cognitive Self: processes by which individuals learning disabilities, disorders, etc.)
come to know themselves, develop and maintain
a stable identity. Values that you can reflect upon and enhance:
● Direction
B. The Self as a sum total of our Reflexive ● Efficiency and Effectiveness
Consciousness ● Wiser Choices
“The true nature of the self is consciousness itself” ● Re-engineered Skills
- Halliday, E. (1999) ● Sense of Order and Meaning
➔ A way by which we can develop the ability to ● Hope and Positivity
respond adequately to the demands life makes of ● Better Quality of Life
us, the ability to assimilate the shocks and blows
of experience, so we can live a whole and
Module 2: The Various Components and
balanced life.
Constructs of the Self
➔ The way to gain balance amidst challenges is
through an understanding of the center of our
own being, our consciousness and through this, ➔ The self can be redefined as a dynamic,
finding our place in relation to the universe. responsive process that structures the pathways
according to our past, present, and future
C. The Self as our Interpersonal Being environments that collaborate with various
➔ We are born with it, we grow and learn in a group dimensions of the self.
➔ We desire to be with and to interact with others ➔ The philosophy of self seeks to describe essential
➔ Interaction allows us to discover our uniqueness qualities that constitute a person’s uniqueness or
and self-identity (“self-consciousness” arises) essential being. The self can be considered that
being which is the source of consciousness, the
D. The Self as having Executive Function agent responsible for an individual’s thoughts and
➔ Self as an Agent enables man to make choices, actions, or the substantial nature of a person
plan and initiate action and exert control. Guides which endures and unifies consciousness over
our thoughts and behavior in accordance with time (Levinas, 2020)
internally or externally generated goals or plans.
➔ Psychologically. Three (3) dimensions of - Optimism
behavior: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor ● Low Self-Esteem
representation of one’s identity or the subject of - A negative view of ourselves. This tends to
experience. lack confidence.
➔ Psychodynamically. “The self is not only the - Want to be/look like someone else
center, but also the whole circumstance which - Always worrying what others might think
embraces both conscious and unconscious; it is - Pessimism
the center of this totality…” 4. Ideal Self vs. Real Self: Real self - who and
➔ Physiologically. It is increasingly possible to what you are; actual self. Ideal self - what you
correlate the cognitive, affective, and should be; how you want to be.
psychomotor experiences of self with neural 5. “Looking Glass Self” vs. “Generalized
processes and how the brain integrates our Others”
perception and sensation about the Self in us. ● Looking Glass Self: a self-concept based on
what you believe others think of you.
THE SELF AND ITS COMPONENTS ○ We imagine how others see us
1. Self-Concept: subjective description of who you ○ We imagine the judgment
think you are – it is filtered through your own ○ We create our self-image
perceptions of your abilities, attributes, attitudes, ● Generalized Others: a conception of the
and values; the labels we consistently use to attitudes and expectations held in common by
describe ourselves to others. the members of the organized groups of
How your Self-Concept Develops which home they interact. Refers to an idea or
- Interactions with other individuals conception like what lovers are like, etc.
- Association with groups 6. Self-Assessment: evaluation of oneself or one’s
- Roles we assume actions, attitudes, or performance. You observe,
- Own labels analyze, and judge our performance on the basis
- Personalities of a criteria process of gathering information
2. Self-Image: a mental picture of yourself; the about yourself.
conceptualization we form in our minds about the 7. Self-Disclosure: you purposefully provide
kind of person we are; a personal view we have information to others about yourself that they
of ourselves. would not learn if you did not tell them. It is
3. Self-Esteem: your self-worth; you describe who reciprocal and involves risk and dust.
you are and your value; your worth and value. 8. Self-Talk: internal monologues; your own
● High Self-Esteem “running commentary” on your life; Intrapersonal
- We have a positive view of ourselves. This communication.
tends to lead to confidence in our own 9. Self-Actualization: fulfilling your potential and
abilities; becoming all that you are capable of being.
- Self-acceptance
- Not worrying about what others think
Module 3: The Nature of the Self and the JOHARI WINDOW QUADRANTS
other Conceptual Approaches
- Open Arena - Facade
Featuring: COAT OF ARMS
“I know.. Others know” “I know.. Others don’t”
Coat of Arms: to help you understand the
significance of this model in the formation of your - Blind Spot - Unknown/Twilight
self-identity. Zone
Why is it important to have your self-identity “Others know.. I don’t” “I don’t know.. Others
through your Coat of Arms? don’t
● To cover, protect, and identify the wearer
● Your unique design that symbolizes where you
Module 5: The Physical/Biological Self
come from
● What you stand for, your values and ideals Featuring: Body Image and the 3Ws (Wellness,
● Your legacy and legend Wellbeing, and Wholeness): Factors, influencers,
● Your trademark and enhancers of one’s body image
THE FOUR SELF-AWARENESS ARCHETYPES ➔ There is that phase and stage in our lives when
we want to change something or the other about
the way we look. But for some, this
dissatisfaction becomes a persistent worry;
they are unable to focus on their other
responsibilities - studies, relationships,
career, or their daily routine. It is then
considered a body image issue.
Module 4:The Self Steps Out OUR PHYSICAL/BIOLOGICAL SELF:
Featuring: THE JOHARI WINDOW (Joseph Luft ● Our body is made up of biological processes.
and Harry Ingham 1995) ● Everything we feel, think, or do has biological
and physical components.
➔ Using a model in communication called Johari ● Biological processes help us to understand
Window, this exercise can help you figure out behavior.
where your slider bars are at.
➔ The Johari Window model is a simple and useful BODY IMAGE
tool for illustrating and improving self-awareness ➔ Body Image is the mental representation an
and mutual understanding between individuals individual creates of themselves, but it may or
within a group. Also referred to as a “disclosure or may not bear any relation to how one actually
feedback model of self-awareness.” appears.
Two Elements of Adolescent Egocentrism:
Body image, in most modern definitions, 1. Imaginary Audience - others are interested in
involves two key elements: them as they themselves are the main actors
1. A mental picture of one’s physical body and all others are the audience; they are the
(including size, shape, and appearance); primary focus of everyone’s attention.
2. And one’s attitude toward the physical self
(such as thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about 2. Personal Fable - the phenomenon where one
one’s body). thinks that he or she is exceptional and unique;
➔ Body image can be influenced by a number of emotions are different and more intense than
social factors, such as culture, the media, and those of others. Self-focus refers to the idea
interactions with family and friends. where an adolescent focuses on himself rather
than towards others: they are exceptional;
➔ Body image is not merely what you look like. It invulnerable to dangers; causes teens to take
has to do with your personal relationship with risks because they believe that nothing bad
your body, which includes your: could possibly happen.
◆ Thoughts, Beliefs, Perceptions, Feeling and ● Facebook Narcissism: an extreme interest in
Experiences that pertain to your weight, shape, your own life, appearance and problems, caused
skin color, size, height, posture, facial by obsessive use of the Facebook social
expression, bodily features and their networking service. Facebook Narcissism results
appearance more broadly. in users presenting a kind of ‘perfect’ image of
themselves which bears a little resemblance to
their personality in the real world.
BODY IMAGE AND INFLUENCE OF PEER BODY VIEWS
GROUPS 1. Functional: seeing the body as serving a
● “Selfie”: “top 10 buzzwords” of 2012 – TIME purpose; perceiving and appreciating what the
magazine; “pinnacle of creative expression in the body does for the individual.
21st.” – New York Daily News, 2013, seems to 2. Ornamental: experiencing the body in terms of
be embraced by a range of ages and walks of how it appears to others; judging the body based
life. on how it looks; relating to it as an object.
● Adolescent Egocentrism (David Elkind,
1976): explains why teenagers tend to be critical
of their parents or authority figures, unwilling to
accept criticisms, and quick to find faults; makes
them feel that no one understands them.
What is the relationship between your body SIGNIFICANCE OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
image and self-esteem? ● It defines your character
➔ Ornamentally, we become vulnerable to the ● Being female or male and the similarities and
opinions of others and images of perfection. differences we share
➔ Functionally, self-esteem tends to shift from ● How we view our bodies and feelings, thoughts,
being determined by external judgements to and behaviors
being shaped by abilities and accomplishments, ● Being female or male sexual identity and
a sense of competence and by our inner behavior
self-worth. ● Having crushes; being in love; being attracted
➔ Body image can be influenced by a number of and attractive to others
factors. It often adapts to reflect new information, ● Being in relationships that include friendship and
people, and experiences. intimacy
➔ A negative or unhealthy body image can ● The physiological, psychological, social, cultural,
contribute to low self-esteem and cause political, and spiritual or religious aspects of
persistent anxiety. On the other hand, a “healthy human sexuality
body image” means you are comfortable with the ● How we grow and change over the years
body you have.
PUBERTY
➔ Puberty begins when an important hormone is
Module 6: The Sexual Self
produced in our bodies: Pituitary Gland, that
regulates these two sex glands:
➔ Human Sexuality is an essential and integral 1. Ovary that produces the female hormone:
part of all stages of human life. It is a very Estrogen (produces ovum)
complex behavior that is affected by many facets 2. Testes that produce the male hormone:
of our lives including our physiology, cognition, Testosterone (produces sperm cells). These
learning, our beliefs and values, our culture and hormones also produce the “secondary sex
how we have been nurtured as human beings. characteristics,” traits that make girls feminine,
and bots to appear masculine.
What is Human Sexuality for you? ● “Menarche” - first menstruation
● It describes who you are ● Nocturnal Emissions = “wet dreams”
● It involves the changes in your human
developmental journey (physical/biological,
emotional, social)
● It includes responsibilities and expression of
appropriate behavior
● It examines your preferences and choices
● It builds and tests your values and beliefs
● It enhances your interpersonal relationships
ISSUES RELATED TO ADULT SEXUALITY 2. Expressing your Sexual Self through your
● Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Confusion Emotions and Relationships:
● Human Reproduction and Childbirth a. Preparing you for responsible adult
● Sexual Dysfunctions/Disorders related to relationships
sexuality b. Proper and respectful expression of emotions
● Pornography Cybersex and behavior
● “Virginity”/Non-Virginity c. Set your own limits and boundaries
● Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) d. Respect privacy of self and others
● Sexual Vocabulary/Expression of Sexual Terms e. Choose your role models
● Birth control and Population Management f. Don’t just “feel and express”: think of the
● Teenage Pregnancy/Unwanted Pregnancy consequences
● Prostitution/Sex Slavery g. Stay close to your family and seek wisdom
● Sexual Bullying/Harassment from responsible adults and professionals
ADOLESCENT SEXUAL SELF can also mean Sexuality is about caring, appreciation and
● A special time to grow into a responsible adult responsibilities for Self and others:
● Exposure to opportunities to build your character ● Don’t allow anybody to “dehumanize you and
● Increasing intellectual capacity your sexual self”
● Learn and master your environment ● You are not a toy or an object
● Boost self-confidence ● You are not a commodity to be sold or marketed
● Discover and build more talents or bargained
● Appreciate and enhance your “new looks” ● You are not anybody’s possessions
● Excitement, new discoveries, new relationships
YOUR SEXUAL SELF INVOLVES YOU:
FACE-TO-FACE WITH YOUR SEXUAL SELF ● Character
➔ Your Body and Physicality as an expression of ● Integrity
your human sexuality. ● Values
1. How you project your body and sexuality to ● Behavior
others: ● Life Goals
a. What your family and friends believe is okay ● Personhood
and not okay to do with your body and looks
b. The way you are touched by others
c. The way your body feels to you
CIRCLES OF SEXUALITY EMBRACE S.E.X.U.A.L.I.T.Y
S-eek for guidance: from your family,
responsible adults and credible people
E-mote appropriately: at the right time and
place
X-plore more: opportunities, relationships, talents
U-nderstand that everyone has a Sexual
Self: but you are unique and special
A-ccept that sexual changes and
challenges openly: and be responsible to cope
L-ove yourself more: take care of your body,
mind, and spirit
I-nvolve God always: or submit a higher power
or teachings of wise people
➔ SENSUALITY - Awareness, acceptance of and T-rue love waits
comfort with one’s own body; physiological and Y-ou are made in the image of God. be proud
psychological enjoyment of one’s own body and of it and be a responsible steward of this special gift
the bodies of others. of your Human Sexuality
➔ INTIMACY - The ability and need to experience
emotional closeness to another human being
and have it returned.
➔ SEXUAL IDENTITY - the development of a
sense of who one is sexually, including a sense
of maleness and femaleness.
➔ SEXUAL HEALTH AND REPRODUCTION -
Attitudes and behaviors related to producing
children, care, and maintenance of the sex and
reproductive organs, and health consequences
of sexual behavior.
➔ SEXUALIZATION - the use of sexuality to
influence, control or manipulate others.
