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CHAPTER VI
THE PHYSICAL SELF
BODY IMAGE AND SELF ESTEEM
marebelle nicolas zonio, rpm, chra
CABEIHM DEPARTMENT
Introduction
• The physical self is shaped by biological and
environmental factors.
• It plays a crucial role in self-esteem and self-
perception.
• Our body image is influenced by society,
culture, and personal experiences.
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Biological Basis of the Physical Self
• Heredity: Transmission of traits
from parents to offspring.
• Genotype & Phenotype: Genetic
makeup vs. physical expression.
• Chromosomes & DNA: The
blueprint of biological
development.
• Maturation: Growth and
development over time.
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Environmental Influences on Physical Self
• Social networks and cultural
expectations.
• Self-perception changes as we
grow older.
• Physical changes during puberty.
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Theories on Physical Self
• Psychodynamic Perspective (Freud)
The body ego forms the basis of self-
perception.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective
Body image is shaped by personal
experiences and external influences.
• Feminist Perspective
Social constructs affect body perception,
particularly for women
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Factors that affect perception of the Physical Self
1. Personal Factors 2. Social Factors
• Introspection and Self-reflection • Attachment Process and Social Appraisal.
• Maintaining, Regulating and expanding the
• Self-Perception Theory.
self in interpersonal relationships
• Self-concept
• The Looking-glass Self Theory
• Personal Identity • Social Comparison
• Social Identity Theory (Collective Identity)
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Puberty and Physical Changes
• Girls: Menarche (first menstrual
cycle), widening hips, breast
development.
• Boys: Spermarche (first
ejaculation), deeper voice, facial
hair.
• Pituitary Gland: Controls growth
and puberty-related changes.
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Self-Perception and Social Influences
• Looking-Glass Self (Cooley): We see
ourselves based on how others
perceive us.
• Social Comparison (Festinger):
Comparing ourselves to others
affects our self-esteem.
• Social Identity Theory: Belonging to a
group shapes our self-concept.
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Culture and Body Image
• Different societies define beauty differently.
• Social Constructionist Approach: Beauty standards are not universal.
• Essentialist view of the body: Bodies are defined entirely by their
biological make-up – bones, muscles, hormones, and the like.
• Mary Douglas (1973): Body is the most natural symbol for and medium
of classification, and thus rules associated with controlling the body
(Anthropology).
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Culture and Body Image
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Culture and Body Image
• Dramaturgical theory (Erving Goffman
(1982)) -Sociology
-The theory suggests that we are all
actors on a stage, and much of what we
do is engage in impression management
during which we must monitor and adjust
our own behavior in accordance with how
people want others to perceive them.
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The Influence of Media on Self-Esteem
• Unrealistic beauty
standards in movies,
magazines, and social
media.
• The pressure to conform
leads to body
dissatisfaction.
• Promoting body positivity
and diversity
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impact of culture on body image and self-esteem
• CHARLES DARWIN IN 1871
-there is no universal standard of beauty with respect to the human body
and attempts to determine underlying dimensions of beauty are futile.
• 1985, contrary to Darwin’s beliefs, Samuels and Ewy showed that both
3-month-old and 6-month-old infants looked longer at male and female
faces previously rated as attractive by adults, suggesting that infants
have the cognitive ability to discriminate attractiveness. These findings
have been further supported, and it has even been shown that young
infants show preferences for attractive faces, measured by looking
time, that transcends gender, race, and age. Problems and other issues
will arise when a person’s definition of body image is different from the
understanding of beauty.
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Developing a Positive Body ImagE
• Accepting body diversity.
• Self-care and healthy habits.
• Focusing on self-worth
beyond physical appearance.
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Conclusion
• Our perception of the physical self is
influenced by multiple factors.
• Self-esteem is linked to how we see and
accept our bodies.
• Emphasizing self-love and confidence is
key
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REFERENCES
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