UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER

PHILOSOPHERS VIEW ABOUT SELF

SOCRATES RENE DESCARTES

one's true self, according to Socrates, is not to For Descartes the self is a thinking thing distinct
be identified with what we own, with our social from the body. Thinking self (soul, non-
status, reputation our, or even with our body. material), & physical body (material, non-
Instead, Socrates famously maintained that our thinking entity).
true self is our soul.
According to Descartes, the self is a separate
Socrates asserted that one's inner self should thinking entity from the body. Thinking self,
not be associated with their possessions, physical body, and non-material soul (material,
reputation, social standing, or even their non-thinking entity).
physical appearance. Socrates famously argued
IMMANUEL KANT
that our soul is our genuine selves.
For Kant the self is a unifying subject, an
PLATO
organizing consciousness that makes intelligible
Plato conceives of the self as a knower. Hence, experience possible.
for Plato, the concepts of the self and
The self is a unifying subject for Kant, an
knowledge are inextricably linked. This is
organizing consciousness that enables
because Plato’s concept of the self is practically
understandable experience.
constructed on the basis of his reflections on
the nature of the rational soul as the highest ST. AUGUSTINE
form of cognition.
Augustine sees the self as being open to a
In Plato's view, the self is a knower. As a result, relationship with God. He has two ways of
knowledge and the self are mutually exclusive conceptualizing the self as radically oriented to
notions for Plato. This is due to the fact that God, namely self-presentation and self-
Plato's theoretical construction of the concept realization.
of the self is based on his considerations of the
nature of the rational soul as the highest form According to Augustine, the self is receptive to a
of knowledge. relationship with God. He distinguishes
between self-presentation and self-realization
ARISTOTLE as two different ways of understanding the
individual as profoundly devoted to God.
Aristotle’s concept of the self is hylomorphic,
that is, the self or the human person is SIGMUND FREUD
composed of body and soul. The two are
inseparable. Thus, we cannot talk about the self For Freud, the self-consist of three layers:
with a soul only or a self with a body only. conscious (reality principle), unconscious (basic
instinctual), and preconscious (located between
According to Aristotle's hylomorphic theory of the first two).
the self, a person is made up of both a body and
a soul. They cannot be separated. As a result, Freud believed that there are three levels to the
neither the self with a soul nor the self with a self: the conscious (reality principle),
body alone can be discussed. unconscious (basic instinctual), and
preconscious (located between the first two).
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER

actions in the same way we perceive present

thoughts and actions.
PAUL CHURCHLAND
Hume's idea of the self and individual identity is
According to Churchland, the self is the brain
something like how we currently perceive of
which gives us our sense of self. And that the
animal consciousness: a constantly shifting
self is inseparable from the brain and the
perception of current experience. He also
physiology of the body.
proposed that we lose this tenuous concept of
Churchland asserts that our concept of self identity in sleep. We are fooled into a sense of
comes from our brain, which he refers to as the self by memories of past perceptions.
"self." Additionally, that the body's physiology
Hume's thought of the self and person
and the brain are inextricably linked to the self.
personality is something like how we as of now
MAURICE MERLEAU-PONTY see of creature awareness: a continually moving
discernment of current encounter. He moreover
For him, the self is embodied subjectivity. The proposed that we lose this shaky concept of
consciousness, the world, and the human body character in rest. We are tricked into a sense of
are intricately intertwined in knowing the self by recollections of past recognitions.
world.

For him, the self is embodied subjectivity.

Knowing the world involves intimate All of the different perception of the
connections between the human body, the philosophers on the self were all insightful and
consciousness, and the universe. helpful, but Immanuel Kant’s definition was the
one I resonate the most. For me this
GILBERT RYLE philosopher’s idea is relevant on my personal
Ryle believed that self comes from behavior. experience because I believe it would help me
We're all just a bundle of behaviors caused by mold as a person. And this would help me
the physical workings of the body. understand that this obstacle I am facing
everyday are just trials to self-improvement.
Ryle believed that self comes from behavior. Because personally I experienced growth with
We're all just a collection of actions brought on this obstacle, it made me realized how strong of
by the bodily processes. a person I am to be able to go through difficult
JOHN LOCKE times. That sometimes mistakes are a guise in
helping us reach our fullest potential.
According to Locke, personal identity (the self)
“depends on consciousness, not on substance”
nor on the soul. We are the same person to the
extent that we are conscious of the past and
future thoughts and actions in the same way as
we are conscious of present thoughts and
actions.

According to Locke, individual identity (the self)

"depends on consciousness, not on substance"
or on the soul. We are the same people in so far
as we perceive past and future thoughts and
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER

WESTERN AND EASTERN SELF Frank Johnson (1985) traces the earliest
historical roots of the Western concept of self
Frank Johnson (1985)
to works on philosophy almost half a million
‌ ESTERN SELF AS ANALYTIC - The Western
W years ago. By the middle of the 19th century,
way of thinking is analytic-deductive, with psychology had provided answers to
emphasis on causal things (part-to-whole philosophical questions about the concepts of
relationship). the soul.

‌ ESTERN SELF AS MONOTHEISTIC - The beliefs

W
in one Supreme Being coexisting with the
THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
universe condenses the supernatural activities
WESTERN CONCEPT OF SELF
and human capabilities into a bipolarity of both
qualities of existence.

‌ ESTERN SELF AS INDIVIDUALISTIC - Western

W ‌PRE-CHRISTIAN TIMES UNTIL 1850
Individualism exhibits the coexistence of
 There were philosophical and
favorable and unfavorable conditions inherent
theological attempts to characterize the
in personal freedom. Although, the right to
self through the concepts of soul and
individual freedom provides opportunities for
mind, with emphasis on the conscious
self fulfillment.
experience of the individual, the
‌ ESTERN SELF AS MATERIALISTIC AND
W distinction between the physical and
RATIONALISTIC - The Western way of thinking is mental nature of man (mind-body
focused on material "things" and favors a dualism)
rational-empirical approach over magical and
‌1850 - 1940
superstitious explanations of immaterial things.
 The concept of self re-emerged within
the social interactionist framework in
David Ho (1995) describes the Western self as the early 1900s.
an individualistic self that is deeply aware of
‌1940 - PRESENT
itself, its uniqueness, sense of direction,
purpose, and volition. The self is located at the  Sociological and psychological,
center within the individual, through which the existentialist and phenomenologist.
world is perceived. The self is also seen as "an
entity distinct from other selves and all other
entities." This implies that the self belongs to
the individual and no other. As a consequence
of this complete ownership of self, it becomes a
sovereign subject possessing a sense of
personal control. If all things are well, the self
achieves coherence and stability over time. In
an individualist perspective, the Western self is
the measure of all things (Ho, 1995; Garcia,
2013), that is, the source of all reflections.
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EASTERN CONCEPT OF SELF The law of karma is the most important

doctrine of Hinduism. All actions are subject
to karma. Individual actions will lead to
In the East, philosophy and religion are either good or bad outcomes in one's life.
twisted together. Thus, the major Eastern People get exactly what they deserve. If you
religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, do good things, you will be rewarded; if you
Confucianism, and Taoism, are also the do bad, you will be punished. Therefore, the
common representatives of Eastern individual is the only one responsible for the
thought. These Eastern intellectual consequences of his or her actions (Garcia,
traditions differ greatly in features and 2008a).
approaches to various issues about
selfhood. For this reason, Eastern thought is
described as pluralistic (Garcia, 2013). Hindus believe that Atman, being an
Although these four systems of Eastern immortal soul, to be reincarnated from
thought differ in their approaches to the lifetime to lifetime until it is freed from the
concept of self, they share the same goal-to a state of nirvana or 2008). Karma does not
teach how to become a perfect person. end with a body's death, so its may extend
(Villaba, 1995). through the incarnation of the soul.
Individuals cannot extend the fact that they
are exactly what they are supposed to be in
1. Hinduism life. In their present lifetime, they can
change what they will become in their
 The Hindu concept of the self is future lives.
expounded in Vedanta, a major school
of Indian thought based on Upanishads,
the classical Indian philosophical
treatises. It has been stated that
Brahman is an absolute reality, and
Atman (soul or spirit), the true
2. Buddhism
knowledge of self, is identical to
Brahman. Vedanta characterizes  Siddharta Gautama, known as the
human suffering as the result of failure Buddha, is the founder of Buddhism.
to realize the distinction between the The root word of Buddhism is buddh,
true self (permanent and unchanging) meaning awake. To be awake may
and the non-true self (impermanent imply that opening the eyes would lead
and changes continually). The goal of to understanding more about the self
the person is to know the true reality- and the world. According to the
Brahman. Self-realization is being teachings of Buddhism, every person
united to all-embracing Brahman. has the seed of enlightenment, hence,
However, the realization of true the potential to be a Buddha. However,
selfhood will result in a complete the seed should be nurtured
dissolution of individual identity (Ho, (Mansukhani, 2013)
1995).
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The Four Noble Truths are the basic Relationships: between ruler and subject,
principles of Buddhism: between father and son, between husband
and wife, between brothers, and between
(1) life is suffering; (2) suffering is caused
friends. Hence, the self is known as a relational
by attachment to desires; (3) suffering can
self. Another important feature in Confucian
be eliminated; and (4) elimination of
thought is the individual's greatest mission of
suffering is through the practice of the
attaining self-realization wherein self-cultivation
Eightfold Path (right view, right aspiration,
is instrumental. Self-cultivation can be
right speech, right action, right livelihood,
accomplished by knowing one's role in society
right effort, right mindfulness, and right
and acting accordingly. Moral characters are
concentration). In Buddhist philosophy, man
perfected by continuously taking every
is just a title for the summation of the five
opportunity to improve oneself in thought and
parts (matter, sensation, perception, mental
action. There will be harmonious relationships
constructs, and consciousness) that
when individuals follow the rules of proper
compose the individual; however, each of
social behavior. The individual is set to respond
the parts distinctly is not man (Villaba,
to what is socially required, rather than to one's
1995). Man has no self (or no-soul). There is
personal needs and goals. Here, the self is a
only nothing, and all else is an illusion.
subdued self (Ho, 1995).
There is nothing permanent but change.
The ignorance of the impermanence of
everything may lead to an illusion of 4. Taoism
selfhood. This primal ignorance is the cause
Taoism is a Chinese counterculture. Taoists
of life's misery, births, and rebirths. The
reject the Confucian idea of a relational self. To
perfect moral-intellectual knowledge
them, the self is an extension of the cosmos,
becomes powerful in the sense that it
not of social relationships. The self is described
eliminates the cause of one's misery and
as one of the limitless forms of the Tao (Ho,
awakens one from the illusion of selfhood.
1995). The Tao is commonly regarded as Nature
The ideal is to experience nirvana (literal
that is the foundation of all that exists (Garcia,
meaning: "blowing out," like a lamp), a state
2013). It is not bounded by time and space. The
of transcendence devoid of self-reference.
ideal is to identify with the Tao. The perfect
This state of transcendence can be achieved
man has no self. Selflessness is attained when
through meditation (Ho, 1995).
the distinction between "I" and "other"
dissolves. Consequently, the individual may
behave spontaneously, just going with the flow
3. Confucianism
of the Tao. The selfless person leads to a
The Confucian doctrines are found in the balanced life, in harmony with both nature and
Analects (Conversations of Confucius). The core society (Ho 1995). Taoists believe that
of Confucian thought is the GOLDEN RULE or simplicity, spontaneity, and harmony with
the principle of reciprocity: "Do not do to nature should govern one's life. Individuals must
others what you would not want others to do seek to understand and act in accordance with
to you." Thus, the basic virtue or Confucius the natural order. There should be unity and
proper conduct is knowing how to act in harmony among opposing elements: the yin
relation to others. The most important of and yang (Abella, 2016). Hence, there is
relationships are the Five Cardinal oneness of the Tao.
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DICHOTOMY OF WESTERN AND EASTERN thought looks at life in the three-mode cycle of
CONCEPTIONS OF THE SELF birth, death, and rebirth. Meanwhile, the
Western concept of life is linear, as it is
An extensive literature on Eastern thoughts
concerned with absolute beginnings or endings
about the self exists. Many movements of
in time and space. Asian thought does not
Eastern thoughts raise questions about the
dichotomize between one's way of thinking and
ultimate meaning of life and have developed
one's way of living. This implies that one's
theories of the self insofar as they have
thought, action, and speech should be in
investigated what it means to be a human
harmony. Asian thought considers intuition as a
being. In Eastern thought, the emphasis is
valid means to gain wisdom; it does not rely
relational rather than individualistic. The self is
mainly on reason and logic, which are the more
considered not in isolation, but in relation to
popular sources of knowledge in the West.
others, society, and the universe. Eastern
thoughts aim at transformations in
consciousness, feelings, emotions, and one's
Another distinction between Eastern and
relation to other people and the world. The
Western thoughts is about nature and self.
theories of Eastern philosophers demonstrate a
According to Sarza (2013), one unique feature
sociocentric view, presupposing that the self
of Eastern philosophy is its great reverence for
exists as an entity within the concrete situation
nature. It is believed that nature promotes
or role occupied by the person (Robbins, 2012).
introspection into one's inner life and that
In contrast, Western thoughts tend to view the wisdom and enlightenment can be attained by
self as autonomous, unitary, and stable (van observing nature. Meanwhile, Peacock (1986)
Meijl, 2008). Nevertheless, Western thoughts mentions that modern Western culture tends to
about the self have been examined by set the individual against nature, that is, to
renowned theorists such as Freud, Erikson, struggle against nature, which is a dangerous
Bandura, Rogers, Jung, James, Mead, Cooley, enemy. This viewpoint can be traced to
and others. They have conducted scientific Christian theologies that consider nature as
investigations in an effort to understand the self fallen and evil.
and have developed theories and concepts to
account for the similarities and differences
among them. They emphasize the importance
of scientific methods to provide satisfactory
answers to understanding the self. Eastern
theories offer a variety of techniques for
cultivating a deeper understanding of the self.
However, they do not utilize the scientific
techniques of investigation.

It is vitally important that both East and West

appreciate each other's attempts to understand
the self. To do so can only enrich both (Engler,
2012). Thus, Quito (Garcia, 2008b) seeks to
place Western and Eastern theories of the self
into perspective by making some comparisons
and contrast among them. For instance, Asian
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THE PHYSICAL SELF 6. Puberty- 10-12 or 14 years old

PHYSICAL SELF : refers to the body. Physical 7. Adolescence- 14-18 years old
extremities and internal organs work together
8. Early adulthood- 18-40 years old
for the body to perform many of its functions
(breathing, walking, eating, and sleeping). 9. Middle adulthood- 40-60 years old
Body’s performance gradually changes when 10. Late adulthood or senescence- 60 years
aging. old to death

PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY: The physical changes that take place during

puberty affect an individual's behaviors. The
 Least: during infancy and old age
rapid changes that accompany sexual
 Peak: early adulthood (20-30 years old) maturation adolescents unsure of themselves,
their abilities and capacities, and their likes and
 Decline: middle age
interests. Changes in their bodies create new
 Slow rate (Physical growth and problems, such as dissatisfaction with their
development): during childhood bodies, unfavorable self-concepts, and creating
the body image they desire.
 Rapid rate: babyhood

 Adolescence
2 factors affecting physical growth and
 begins with the onset of puberty. development (product of heredity and
 characterized by rapid physical changes environment):
that include the maturation of the  HEREDITY
reproductive system.
- biological process of inheritance of traits from
 Each individual goes through a parents to offspring.
succession of developmental stages
through his or her lifespan.  ENVIRONMENT

-factors an individual is exposed to throughout

life (learning and experiences)
LIFE SPAN- development from conception to
death. - Environmental factors that have important
roles in an individual’s physical development:
Stages of lifespan: diet, nutrition, and diseases
1. Prenatal- fertilization of birth

2. Infancy- birth to 2 weeks of life

3. Babyhood- 2 weeks of life to 2nd year

4. Early childhood- 2-6 years old

5. Late childhood- 6-10 or 12 years old

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Sex and other physical traits are determined by Each element is correlated to:
the combination of chromosomes and genes
 Seasons
during fertilization when the egg and sperm
cells unite.  Colors
 Chromosomes  Shapes
 Threadlike tissues that carry the genes  Sounds
and are usually found in pairs.
 Facial features
23 PAIRS OF CHROMOSOME:
 Body types
1. Autosomes or trait chromosomes (22
pairs)  Body’s major organs

2. Gonosomes or sex chromosomes.  Behavioral tendencies.

The sex of the offspring depends on the pairing

of the sex chromosomes (23rd) from the father THEORY BASED ON THE PROMINENCE OF BODY
and mother. FLUIDS.
 GENES  Ancient Greece (Hippocrates):
- basic carrier of hereditary traits and are developed this
classified as dominant (strong genes) and -The theory suggest that an excess of or
recessive (weak genes) deficiency in any of the four bodily fluids (or
THEORIES OF THE PHYSICAL SELF humors) in a person influences his/her.

The theory of physiognomy 1. personality

 A person’s physical characteristics, such 2. temperament

as facial features and expressions and 3. well being.
body structures, could be related to a
person’s character or personality.

According to Chinese practice of face reading, Types:

the face is a three-dimensional reflection of SANGUINE - prominence of red bile
“who we are and how life affected us.” This
practice is rooted in the 5 Element theory which  impulsive, cheerful, happy, optimistic
makes use of the elements of:
MELANCHOLIC - prominence of black bile
1. Water
 depressed and pessimistic
2. Wood
CHOLERIC - prominence of yellow bile
3. Fire
 easily angry, jumpy
4. Earth
PHLEGMATIC - Excess phlegm
5. Metal
 Sluggish, dull, slow
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William Sheldon(1940s) Squier and Mew (1981)

Developed body type theory based on physical  Long and angular-shaped faces: more
characteristics: responsive, assertive, genuine

 Endomorphic  Short and square-shaped faces:

restrained, conforming, shrewd
Body type: soft and plump

Easy going and sociable

Body Image
 Mesomorphic
 how individuals perceive, think, think
Strong muscular body
about their body and physical
Energetic, adventurous, assertive, courageous appearance

Competitive and tend to be dominant  related to self esteem

 Ectomorphic  can affect both the adolescents’

physical and psychological well-being
Physically tall and thin (negative self-image: stage of
Restrained, quiet, introverted, artistic. development that is probably confusing
them)

Jean Haner (2008)

Girls are more concerned compared to boys
 Wisdom of your face about their body image in the form of attaining
 Shapes of Faces the idealized notions of beauty.

1. Square : Witty, analytical, great leaders  Appearance

2. Heart : Patient and intuitive by nature  everything about a person that others
can observe (height, weight, skin color,
3. Long : Perfectionist and tend to be clothes, and hairstyle)
aggressive
 Through this, an individual is able to
4. Triangle : Creative, artistic, sensitive, show others the kind of person he or
and determined she is (Delamater & Mayers, 2012)
5. Diamond : Very detail-oriented and like The age at which puberty begins has
to be in control implications for the way others treat them
(Feldman, 2010)
Haner also suggested:
 Self-esteem
 Full and thick eyebrows: confident,
assertive, and goal oriented  a person’s overall evaluation of his or
her own worth.
 Large or highly define jaws: strong
values and firm beliefs
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Influence of media: Leads girls to experience IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTY:

body dissatisfaction (bullying and peer pressure)
These features indicate youth, health, good
Girls with higher body dissatisfaction are likely genes, and fertility.
to experience depression, low self-esteem, and
Reality: Even the supermodels fail to live up
eating disorders (DeMello, 2014)
with the beauty standards.
 Eating disorder:
Types of Body Modification:
1. Anorexia- a person refuses to eat, for
 Tattooing - Injects ink into skin to draw
fear of gaining weight
design
Consequence: severe starvation and death
 Body Piercing - Lets people wear jewelry
2. Age affliction: 12-40 years old through different piercings on their
body (ears, nose, tongue

Tattooing and Piercing are considered signs of

Bulimia nervosa
one’s strength, bravery, and social status.
- a person induces purging after binging on large
 Cosmetic Surgery - Induces surgical and
quantities of food (Feldman, 2010).
non-surgical procedures to restore,
reconstruct, or alter body parts.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTY Examples: breast enhancement, nose lift,

liposuction, and botox injections
DeMello (2014)

BEAUTY STANDARDS
Consequences: Infections, allergies: unclean and
poor equipment
1. Egyptian art : Slim, high waist and
narrow hips, long black hair
“People tend to view attractive people as
2. Renaissance period : Full figure and smarter, happier, smarter, and better.
rounded hips

3. Medieval Age Africa (Tribes) : Chubby,

fat, plump “INSIDE BEAUTY OVER OUTSIDE BEAUTY”

4. Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia : Flat

nose

 Traditionally beautiful: clean and

unblemished skin, thick skinny hair,
well-proportioned bodies, and
symmetrical faces

THE SEXUAL SELF

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Development of Sex Characteristics and the primary and secondary sex characteristics and
Human Reproductive System also increase one’s sex drive.

 Beginning of Adolescence: rapid

physical changes, including the
 WOMEN:
maturation of the reproductive system
and the development of : Ovaries: produce estrogen, progesterone,
 Primary sex characteristics small amount of testosterone.
 physical characteristics present at birth
that distinguish males from females
Estrogen - promotes female reproductive
Females: vagina, uterus, ovaries capacity and secondary sex characteristics
Males: penis, testes, testicles, scrotum, prostate
gland.
Progesterone- stimulates the growth of the
 Secondary sex characteristics female reproductive organs and prepares
uterus for pregnancy
 develop during the onset of puberty
Production follows a cyclical pattern
Women: enlargement of breast, onset of
(approximately 28-day monthly cycle)
menstruation (10-12 yrs. old), widening of the
hips, enlargement of buttocks, growth of pubic
hair
Greatest production: during the ovulation
Males: Testicular growth, sperm production, period when an egg is released from the
appearance of facial hair, pubic and other body ovaries.
hair, deepening of the voice

Ovulation period: can occur 14 days after occur

Primary sex characteristics 14 days after the beginning of menstrual period
 Develop as the embryo grows in the
womb as a result of the chromosomes
contained within the embryonic cells, as Reproductive system- system of organs
well as hormonal influences. designed for reproduction and sexual function.

5 weeks of pregnancy: two organs called

gonads, form in embryo

 MEN:

The gonads release testosterone that causes the

male’s sex organs to develop.

During puberty, testosterone and other

androgens stimulate the development of
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FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

1. CLITORIS 1. PENIS
- made of erectile tissue - urinate
- swells with blood and hardens when a woman -deliver the sperm cells into the vagina during
is sexually aroused. sexual intercourse
2. VAGINA - made up of sensitive tissues and nerve ending.
- muscular tube that serves as the receptacle for If sexually aroused, it becomes erect and allows
the penis for penetration. Before reaching the penis,
sperm cells, travel through the prostate gland
- passageway of the sperm to the uterus
and seminal vesicles.
- birth canal (fetus comes out)
2. TESTES/TESTICLES
The two ovaries produce, store, and release the
- located in a loose pouch-like sac of skin called
egg cell during ovulation.
the scrotum.

3. SCROTUM
3. UTERUS
-responsible for the production of sperm cells
-hollow organ where the fertilized embryo and male sex hormones
grows to become a fetus
4. VAS DEFERENS:
Cervix: lower part of the uterus - passageway
- transports the sperm-containing fluid
between the uterus and the vagina that
“semen”
expands during the childbirth.
-
5. EPIDIDYMIS

4. FALLOPIAN TUBE - set of coiled ducts connected to the vas

deferens where the sperm cells are stored.
- carry the fertilized egg from the ovary to the
uterus

Pregnancy: fertilization-birth, for an Ejaculation- release of sperm cells from the

approximate duration of 260 days penis. Each ejaculation contains approximately
300-500 million sperm cells
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SEXUAL AROUSAL AND EROGENOUS ZONES: THE PHASES OF SEXUAL RESPONSE

WHAT TURNS PEOPLE ON
William Masters and Virginia Johnson: found
that the biological responses of males and
females to sexual stimulation are quite similar.
EROGENOUS ZONE
SEXUAL-RESPONSE CYCLE: changes that occur in
- areas of the body that are highly sensitive and
the body as men and women become sexually
produce sexual responses when stimulated.
aroused.
*Genitals, mouth, breast, ears, anus, and to a
lesser degree, the entire surface of the body.
THE FOUR (4) PHASES:

MASTURBATION/SEX-STIMULATION
1. EXCITEMENT PHASE
- One of the most basic forms of sexual
stimulation - beginning of sexual arousal and can last from
minute to several hours
- Rubbing or fondling of the genital areas and
provides a good index or sexual desire because - pulse rate, blood pressure, breathing increases
it not constrained by the availability of a partner
- skin shows rosy flush (chest and breast)

PENIS: grow
The ff. are also uniquely important to sexual
VAGINA: swells and open, become wet
arousal: intimate kissing, cuddling, necking,
petting, touching the erogenous zones 2. PLATEAU PHASE

- changes in the body continue

The brain in where sexual desire originates and 3. ORGASMIC PHASE
where sexual behavior is controlled (Atkitson et
al., 2020) - contractions of the muscles in and around the
penis stimulate the release of the semen, which
Sexual fantasies play significant role in sexual contains sperm cell
arousal (Feldman, 2010)
4. RESOLUTION PHASE
Men have stronger sexual desires than women
- the body returns to its normal state after
Women and men have equal potential for orgasm.
sexual arousal, and women are less physically
responsive than men (Peplau, 2003)

Culture also influences the expression of sexual

desire.
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ATTRACTION, LOVE, AND ATTACHMENT Commitment

- decision to love and the commitment to

maintain that love
PUBERTY
Romantic love has strong components of sexual
- important stage in sexual development.
attraction and infatuation and is often
- it is the first time when many boys and girls experienced in the early stage of a love
experience their first sexual attraction. relationship (Santrock, 2002)

INITIAL ATTRACTION

- influenced by social norms, physical HELEN FISHER (IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS OF

attractiveness, and process of interpersonal ROMANTIC LOVE)
exchange (DeLamater and Myers, 2021)
Lust
SOCIAL NORMS
- driven by the desire of sexual gratification
- influence attraction in several ways, such as
Attraction
determining who are appropriate as lovers and
spouses. - often associated with sexual attraction

PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS Attachment - desire to connect with another

person
- degree to which a person’s physical traits are
regarded as aesthetically pleasing or beautiful “affectionate” or “companionate love”

SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY  John Bowlby- he defined attachment as

a strong affectional tie that binds a
- proposes that attraction is the result of an
person to an intimate companion
exchange process.
- The ability to form stable and close
(attraction, liking, trust, love)
relationships begins at infancy.
ROMANTIC LOVE

- includes a complex combination of different

SEXUAL ORIENTATION
emotions (fear, anger, sexual desire, joy,
jealousy). Some of these emotions may also be  Person’s sexual identity that is
the sources of suffering (Santrock, 2002) anchored on what gender

Robert Sternberg (3 components of love)

Intimacy Heterosexuality - attracted to the opposite sex

- feelings of closeness, connectedness, and most common.

bondedness
Homosexuality- same sex
Passion
Bisexuality- both genders
- drives that lead to romance, physical
Transgender - born with the body of the
attraction, sexual consummation
opposite sex
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)

AND EARLY PREGNANCY

STI- also called as Sexually Transmitted Diseases METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION AND THE
(STD) REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW

- are contrated primarily through sexual contact

(vaginal, oral, anal sex)
Contraception

- methods used to prevent pregnancy

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

- caused by direct contact with body fluids, such

Types:
as through blood transfusion, breastfeeding,
sexual intercourse 1. Condoms- common method
- attacks the immune system 2. Intrauterine device (IUD)- a tiny device
made of flexible plastic that is inserted
Gonorrhea
in the uterus to prevent pregnancy
- caused by gonococcal bacteria that attack the
3. Birth control injectables- given every 3
lining of the mucus membrane, such as the
months to women
mouth, throat, vagina, and urethra
4. Oral Contraceptive pills- taken every
Treatment: Penicillin or other antibiotics
day
Syphilis

- infects the genital areas and other parts of the

Withdrawal
body including the brain, and can cause swollen
testicles and a burning sensation during  Calendar method
urination
 the number of days in each menstrual
- it can cause sterility among women if left cycle is recorded, and the couple avoids
untreated because it damages the uterus, sex during the fertile period.
ovaries, and Fallopian Tubes.
 Cervical Mucus Method

 also called as “ Billings ovulation”

Genital Herpes
 type of natural family planning method
- can cause itching and tingling sensations, based on careful observation of mucus
abscesses, and blisters in the genital area. patterns during the course of the
menstrual cycle.
Genital Warts

- caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV),

and women with HPV are prone to cervical Mucus pattern: determines when a woman is
cancer. Although the warts can be removed, it mostly to conceive or not.
can reoccur
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER

RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND - book of (MA. Serena diokno) democracy and

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT OF 2012 citizenship

- Also known as Reproductive Health Law or RH - institution influence the values of citizenship
Law are family, church, school, media, government.

- guarantees universal access to methods of - political self identity developed through

contraception, fertility control;, sexual socialization
education, and maternal care
- family has hierarchical structure, requires
- provides for the “prevention and treatment of each member to perform a role.
HIV/AIDS and other STIs/STDs”, especially
- father is the most influential, he acts leader,
because the number of HIV cases among youth
and establisher of rules.
is rising
- authority is necessary to development of
- it aims to keep couples well-informed about
political self and identity,
available family planning methods that they can
freely use depending on their needs and beliefs. - first duty of parents is to educate children
about values and beliefs.
-aims to promote awareness among
adolescents and the youth on sexuality and - responsibility of school is to teach moral,
reproductive health through proper sex spiritual and political values
education.
- church helps to shape ideals of citizenship and
democracy through religious things.
POLITICAL SELF - social learning theory - a person can acquire
learning through observation and limitation.
POLITICS - defined as institution through which
power acquired and exercised by people and - political socialization - process which
groups. individual gain knowledge about politics
- Aristotle described the role that politics and - cognitive theory - mental activities of
political community must play in bringing the individual are important determinants of
virtuous life. behavior.
- he observed "man is by nature a political - theory of symbolic interaction - behaviors are
animal” product of communication, meaning and
symbols.
- politics is important because it promotes
ideology about democracy, citizenship, human - theory of political participations - citizens
rights, freedom. action or activities anchored in politics.
CITIZENSHIP - basic identification with a
nation

- political self organize, one's beliefs attitude,

self relevant information about politics.

- important component of political self is

identity.
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER

6. REFLECTIVE LEARNERS - reflects upon

their learning experience.
LEARNING TO BE A BETTER STUDENT
7. SEQUENTIAL LEARNERS - breaking
SELF REGULATED LEARNING - process which
down concepts and data in smallest
students systematically direct their thoughts,
components
feelings, action towards attainment of
academic goals. 8. GLOBAL LEARNERS - see bigger picture
and desire to immediately splurge on
LEARNING - acquisition of knowledge, skills, and
activity.
attitudes through experience.

 learning helps individual to adapt to

constantly changing environment.

NEUROPLASTICITY - ability of brain to change EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

throughout one's life
Daniel Goleman first brought 'emotional
NEURONS - basic building blocks of nervous intelligence' to a wide audience with his 1995
system that transmit message book of that name. He found that while the
qualities traditionally associated with leadership
NEURONS - made of cell body (soma)
such as intelligence, toughness, determination
SYNAPSE - where neurons transmit message to and vision are required for success, they are
another neurons insufficient. Truly effective leaders are also
distinguished by a high degree of emotional
METACOGNITION - awareness of one's thinking intelligence, which includes:
and strategies uses to learn.

METACOGNITIVE KNOWLEDGE - includes

knowledge of own cognitive abilities  SELF-AWARENESS

METACOGNITIVE REGULATION - how individual The ability to recognise what you are feeling, to
monitors and controls his/her cognitive process understand your habitual emotional responses
to events and to recognise how your emotions
VARIED LEARNING STYLES affect your behaviour and performance. When
you are self-aware, you see yourself as others
see you, and have a good sense of your own
1. SENSORY LEARNER - relies on sensing. abilities and current limitations.
2. INTUITIVE LEARNER - relies on
institutions, (poor decision making)
 MANAGING EMOTIONS
3. VISUAL LEARNER - prefer graphs,
pictures. The ability to stay focused and think clearly
even when experiencing powerful emotions.
4. VERBAL LEARNERS - prefer to hear Being able to manage your own emotional state
5. ACTIVE LEARNERS - participate in is essential for taking responsibility for your
learning process. actions, and can save you from hasty decisions
that you later regret.
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER

 MOTIVATING ONESELF

The ability to use your deepest emotions to

move and guide you towards your goals. This
ability enables you to take the initiative and to
persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks.

 EMPATHY

The ability to sense, understand and respond to

what other people are feeling Self-awareness is
essential to having empathy with others. If you
are not aware of your own emotions, you will
not be able to read the emotions of others.

 SOCIAL SKILL

The ability to manage, influence and inspire

emotions in others. Being able to handle
emotions in relationships and being able to
influence and inspire others are essential
foundation skills for successful teamwork and
leadership.