Module 2.

Unfolding the Biological Self

Unit 1. The Physical Dimension of Self

A crucial aspect of self is one’s physical features. People are often perceived initially by their
physical features, including one’s face, bodily structure, height, weight, and fitness. However, more than
the physical attributes a person possesses, people should also consider their physical competencies, their
valuation of physical worth, and perception of beauty.
In this unit, factors that shape one’s physical self, including biological and environmental factors,
will be discussed. Toward the end, issues associated with physical health, hygiene, nutrition, standards of
beauty, and other socio-cultural factors will be tackled.

The Physical Self: The Biological Blue Print

Am I beautiful? Do people find me attractive? What can I do to enhance my features? These
questions underlie our physical self, which embodies our physical appearance, what we see in the mirror
and what often triggers people’s first impressions of others. However, our physical self is not only limited
to what can be directly seen by the naked eye; underneath our skin is a dynamic system of biological and
chemical processes that contribute to our physical features.

Heredity has been defined as “the transmission of traits from parents to offspring”.

The traits are made up of specific information imbedded within one’s gene, which is the basic unit
of heredity. It is not surprising that we have inherited our physical traits from both our parents. When you
look at the mirror, who do you think you resemble more, your father or your mother? If for example, you
look more like your father than your mother, it doesn’t mean that you did not inherit any traits from your
mother and vice versa. This can be attributed to the concepts of genotype and phenotype. Genotype
refers to the specific information imbedded within our genes; not all genotypes translate to an observed
physical characteristic. On the other hand, phenotype is the physical expression of a particular trait.
Genotype can only be determined through blood testing but one’s phenotype can be directly observed.

Chromosomes
These are a threadlike bodies in the nucleus of the cell and the storage unit of genes. Studies
revealed that most human cells contain 46 chromosomes.
Autosomes. The 22 pairs of chromosomes.
Sex chromosomes. The 23rd pair of the chromosomes which identifies the sex of an individual. The 23rd
pair could either be an XX or an XY. The XY is for males while the XX is for females.

Gene. This is the unit carrier of heredity. Genes alone can determine the sex of the fertilized cell.
Genome. This is the collection of genetic information.
DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. This is a nucleus acid that contains the genetic instructions specifying the
biological development of all cellular forms of life.
• Genotype. This is the part (DNA sequence) of the genetic makeup of a cell which determines a
specific characteristic.
• Phenotype. This is the expression of our genotype (e.g. hair color, weight, or the presence or
absence of a disease).
 Maturation is known as the completion of growth of genetic character within an organism or the
unfolding of an individual’s inherent traits or potential. Maturation enables us to walk, run, talk, and
eventually, result in physical changes that are evident in the adolescent stage.

While our genetic information determines the extent of our physical features, it is not the only factor
that influences our physical self. As we grow up, we are exposed to environmental influences that shape
our physical self, including those from our social networks, societal expectations, and cultural practices.

Family, being our first social group, forms a crucial foundation of our development, including that
of our physical self. Aside from factors of heredity, our family is also primarily responsible for how we take
care of our bodies. Our nutrition and sustenance was initially established by what was cooked in the home.

As we grow older, we become exposed to a larger social group and thus, new practices and
standards. We become more conscious of our physical appearance as time goes on; we begin to take note
of our height, weight, facial features, and other physical characteristics, in comparison to our peers. We
start being conscious of our appearances, especially during the period of adolescence. As a result, we
begin engaging in acts that would make us attractive and acceptable to others.

One aspect of beauty is the body type. Contemporary media has portrayed thin bodies as the
ideal body type for women and muscular bodies for men. Thus, adolescents indulge in activities that would
enable them to achieve these ideal body types. For some, having a healthy lifestyle, eating the right food,
and engaging in exercise are the steps in achieving the ideal body.

There is nothing wrong with enhancing our physical self. What is problematic is when we focus
too much on physical beauty and disregard everything else. How do we take care of ourselves and our
body?

Tips:
1. Healthy eating. We need to have the right combination of food to ensure our health and
sustenance. Having the right diet will result in healthy skin, ideal weight, and better stamina.
2. Embracing a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding drinking, smoking, and other unhealthy habits would
reduce the risk of illness and diseases and make your immune system stronger. Physical activities
such as walking, running, going to the gym, and sports would also contribute to a healthier body.
3. Having the right hygiene. Taking care of our body by maintaining a hygiene regimen can also help
in making us feel good about ourselves.
4. Lastly, confidence in ourselves is our best make-up. Being secure in ourselves, embracing a positive
outlook toward various situations and problems, and loving and accepting who we are will surely
result in an optimal physical well-being.

Unit 2. The Sexual Self

This unit discusses among others, the sexual development of individuals, from their physical
attributes to issues of gender identity, objectification of human bodies, and society’s attitude toward
sexual identity and behavior.

Introduction
 A vital aspect of one’s identity is the sexual self, encompassing biological, physical, emotional, and
social domains. While it is initially rooted in the distinguishing physical attributes found in men (penis) and
women (vagina), bodily transformations and development of secondary sexual characteristics during
adolescence would eventually trigger physiological responses, leading to beliefs and behavior associated
with sex.
During the adolescence stage, sexual curiosity is often at its peak, with adolescents engaging in
sexual activity as a result of biological and socio-cultural forces at work. Further, this stage sets the tone
for the gender orientation an adolescent adopts. Thus, it is important to be aware of one’s sexuality, his
thoughts and behavior, in order to make responsible choices concerning one’s sexual self.

Sexual Self: The Biology of Sex

At birth, one’s sexuality is dependent on his physical features and genitals. Most of the time, one’s
sexuality and gender orientation are generally the same. However, biological sex and gender orientation
are two different things; biological sex is one’s assignment upon birth and is dependent on the physical
features the person has. On the other hand, gender is an identity that is learned and embraced by the
individual. It goes beyond biological domains and is both a personal and social construct. As a social
construct, gender is known to be the socially created roles, personality traits, attitudes, behaviors and
values attributed for men and women. This also includes the relative power and influence of each,
indicating that gender is relational and refers not simply to women or men but to the relationship between
them. Thus, gender is anchored on societal beliefs and norms.

When physiological changes are triggered within an individual’s reproductive system, an

adolescent is likely to experience sexual urges, become more sensitive to sexual stimuli, and feel sexual
arousal. In men, it is natural for them to experience erection during an arousing moment; for women,
vaginal lubrication (wetness) is the likely response. If sexual arousal is satisfied through sexual intercourse,
men would experience ejaculation while women would reach orgasm. The refractory period, or the period
of rest after ejaculation, is likely to be longer in men while women can achieve multiple orgasms due to a
shorter refractory period after intercourse. These bodily sensations are normal and typical in any sexual
activity since hormones produced within the body trigger these physiological responses. These sensations
are part of the sexual response cycle, which includes four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and
resolution. Completing the cycle would lead to sexual satisfaction.

When adolescents feel sexual urges, they are likely to engage in sexual activities that would satisfy
those urges. However, the kind of sexual activities they engage in may vary. During the adolescence stage,
it is a common occurrence to watch and read pornographic materials, engage in kissing and petting, and
perform masturbation, the act of stimulating one’s genitals for sexual pleasure. Medical professionals
have cited the health benefits of masturbation, including stress relief, better sleep, improve self-esteem,
and enhance body image. Further, masturbation is a better alternative to sexual intercourse, which may
result to pregnancy and getting sexually-transmitted diseases.

At birth, one’s sexuality is dependent on his physical features and genitals. Most of the time, one’s
sexuality and gender orientation are generally the same. However, biological sex and gender orientation
are two different things; biological sex is one’s assignment upon birth and is dependent on the physical
features the person has. On the other hand, gender is an identity that is learned and embraced by the
individual. It goes beyond biological domains and is both a personal and social construct. As a social
construct, gender is known to be the socially created roles, personality traits, attitudes, behaviors and
values attributed for men and women. This also includes the relative power and influence of each,
indicating that gender is relational and refers not simply to women or men but to the relationship between
them. Thus, gender is anchored on societal beliefs and norms.

Gender roles are societal expectations of how men and women should act. Everyone has a basic
idea of how men and women should act and behave; men are assumed to be strong and dominant while
women are perceived to be submissive and demure. However, gender and biological sex are not always
the same. A person may have been born a man but assume womanly traits while a woman may behave
like a man. This is an aspect of sexual orientation. Further, one’s sexual orientation manifests itself in
their relationships. A guy who is attracted to girls is considered heterosexual while someone who is
attracted to the same sex is called a homosexual.

Sexual identity and gender orientation underlie our concept of self. We express our sexuality
through individuality; our beliefs and behavioral lifestyle are based on our own perception of sexuality.
However, while gender orientation and sexual identity are deemed to be social constructs, it is important
to highlight our self-expression and moreover, become responsible in doing so. This will also translate to
our beliefs about sex, gender, and behavior. We should take note that our behavior in various situations
would entail consequences; we need to realize what are the effects of such actions and how can we
regulate our own behavior, including our sexual behavior. Let us proceed to the next section.

Sexual intercourse, also known as copulation, is the reproductive act wherein the male organ
(penis) enters the female’s reproductive tract (vagina). Teenage couples who engage in sexual intercourse
are usually overwhelmed by the sensations they feel during the act. In addition, most teenagers who have
sex with their partners often rationalize the act by claiming they “love each other” and are “ready to be
committed to each other.” However, If the woman is fertile during the time of intercourse, pregnancy is
likely to occur and will last approximately nine months before the birth of the child. Having a child entails
a big responsibility and should not merely be a consequence of an impulsive moment.
There are physical risks to having an early pregnancy that may impact on an adolescent’s
development, including risk of miscarriage, emotional stress, and health risks to both mother and infant.
Further, early pregnancy may result to dropping out of school, alienation, and other similar disruptions.
Pregnancy do not only affect females; males are also burdened by the responsibility of caring for a new
child, his partner, and may also face the same problems as his partner.
Aside from pregnancy, another consequence of sexual intercourse is the risk of acquiring sexually-
translated diseases. These sexually transmitted diseases, while most of them can be treated and cured,
may have long-term consequences to one’s health. STD is passed on by means of exchange of body fluids
or genital contact. Among the common diseases are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital warts.
Symptoms of these sexually-transmitted diseases include a burning sensation during urination, warts and
sores in the genital and mouth area, pus, abnormal and smelly discharge, genital irritation, and painful
bowel movements. Treatment of these diseases may entail medication and in some cases, surgery.
However, there are cases when these diseases may affect one’s reproductive functions and worse, may
result to death.
The most alarming sexually-transmitted disease is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is a
virus that can be transmitted by anal, oral, or vaginal sex with an infected person, as well as through breast
milk, during childbirth, and by coming into contact with the blood of an HIV positive person. Untreated,
HIV can lead to AIDS, which compromises the immune system and puts the person at risk of illness and
death. In its early stages, HIV has no symptoms. Once the illness has progressed, the first symptoms may
include fever, rashes, and sores. In its final stage, a person with AIDS may suffer from a variety of illnesses,
including pneumonia and cancer. At the moment, there remains no cure for HIV and AIDS.
 It is prevalent among individuals who engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners.
Irresponsible sexual behavior often results in dire consequences that have significant impact on people’s
lives and futures. Aside from health risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases, it may also ruin
relationships, create a negative stigma against people with STD, and disrupt school and employment.
Thus, it is important that an adolescent should make responsible decisions with regard to their
sexuality and sexual behavior.
• Respect for one’s body. This would mean taking care of one’s body and avoiding activities
that undermine one’s worth and respect.
• Maturity in thoughts and deeds. This would refer to being objective, rational, and calm,
instead of being swept by one’s emotions.
• Being guided by one’s personal beliefs and core values. An adolescent should always be
grounded by his personal principles and self-worth.
• Being future-oriented. Instead of focusing on the present, always weigh your actions now
with possible consequences in the future. Sexual pleasure might be overwhelming at the
moment but always focus on what it will entail in the future.