The Physical Self: The Self as Impacted by the Body

What I Need to Know

1. Understand the biological concept of our physical self.
2. Analyze the impact of culture on body image and self-esteem.
3. Determine ways to care for the physical self
4. Develop ways to further enhance physical health and image.

What’s In
The personality and identity of a person is not only influenced by internal factors
(brain, emotions) but it is influenced also by the individual’s physical body. This is
usually apparent when physical changes took place which brought about by secretion of
various hormones. These changes affect the way they perceive themselves. Generally,
the girls are dissatisfied with physical appearance and body image (the way the
individual perceive, think, and feel about their body and physical appearance) than the
boys.
The image of a person reflects his/her lifestyle and the kind of life he/she
practice. As we socialize in the world, there is always a pressure in our society to look
beautiful and nice that sometimes we frown at our natural appearances, our short
physique, or even our dark completion which affect greatly our self-concept as well as
self-esteem. Societal pressure of perfection (physically) resulted to the advent of
several beauty products and procedures, both local and imported. No matter how
expensive, complicated and dangerous they might be, many Filipinos patronized it to be
accepted and be beautiful.
As a vessel of self, the physical well-being of a person must be maintained.
Regardless of age, one can take care of his/her body by consuming the right amount of
nutrients, water, and sleep, among others. In this module, we will discuss how nature
and nurture greatly influences the features of our physical self, how standards of beauty
(both local and global settings) have affected our self-acceptance, and how to take care
of one’s physical self. It will also look into the different cultural standards of beauty and
how it has affected the person’s self-concept, self-esteem and body image.

What’s New
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Activity 1: PHOTO FACE-OFF OF ME

Using your gadget’s camera, take a close-up selfie picture of yourself. Using
beauty enhancement apps or local photo editing options in your cellphone, filter the
photo until you are satisfied with the outcome but keep the unfiltered one. Print both
photos and paste them in the table below.
Unfiltered Me Filtered Me

1. What physical traits did you get from your parents? Do you look more like your
father or your mother?
2. Are you happy with how you look in your unfiltered photo? Explain
3. Are you happy with how you look in your filtered photo? Explain
4. What do you think your answers say about your self-esteem and confidence?
Activity 2. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Test

Take to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem test. You may choose either of the following
links:
https://wwnorton.com/college/psych/psychsci/media/rosenberg.htm
https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/RSE.php

What Is It

The Making-Up of Physical Self

Bernardo (2016) defines physical self as the being of a person that starts with the
given truth that he is an individual being, a real tangible being, alive, concrete and in
search for meaning and happiness by constant unfolding of his wealth of being. It is the
living vessel of the self.
The development of the individual is caused by two (2) interacting factors:
heredity and environment. Heredity (nature) is the transmission of traits or
characteristics from parents to offspring. It provides the raw material of which the
individual is made up. Through the genes, hereditary traits like physical, mental,
emotional, social and moral traits are passed down to offspring. Environment (nurture),
therefore, is the sum of all the experiences that a person undergoes from conception to
old age. It includes family, school, friends, nutrition and other agencies one is in contact
with in the duration of his/her life.
The beginning of life begins at fertilization. It refers to the union of the female sex
cell and the male sex cell. These cells are developed in the gonads (reproductive
organs) of both sexes. The male sex cells are called spermatozoa produced in the
testes of the male. The female sex cells are called ova produced in the ovaries of the
female. The fertilized egg is known as zygote containing all the hereditary potentials
from the parents. The fertilized egg will then go to the uterus of the female and will
continue to grow there for about 280 days or 9 calendar months (gestation period).
Each parent contributes one sex chromosome to the offspring. A male parent may pass
either an X or a Y chromosome and always X chromosome for the female. The X
chromosome from the father that meets the X chromosome from the mother indicates a
female (XX) offspring. Then, when the Y chromosome from the father meets the X
chromosome of the mother will signify a male (XY) offspring.
The chromosomes of the parents contain several thousands of genes. Genes are
small particles in a string-like formation. They carry the hereditary characteristics of the
parents. Genetics plays an important part in our physical appearance. Science dictates
that our looks are a result of the genes transferred to us by our parents. The gene
contains a substance called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which is the code of heredity.
It contains the blueprint about the newly created organism, and programs the traits from
the color of our skin, hair, to our height, and our physical features that should be
inherited from our parents.

Cultural Standards of Beauty

Beauty is hard to define since every society has its own description. Beauty is, of
course, cultural. We can define beauty, as a matter of fact, from a cultural perspective
of a group. Different cultures have different standards of beauty. The Suri people of
Ethiopia of the African continent find beauty represented in females' lip plates. When a
girl reaches teenage years, her bottom teeth are removed to make way for a piercing in
the lower lip. Once the piercing has been put in place, the lip is stretched around a plate
made from clay. When it is time to get a husband, this lip plate guides the dowry
process. The plates signify beauty and a measure of a woman’s value in cattle (dowry).
Of course, larger plates mean more valuable and desired woman. The Karo tribe of
Ethiopia scar men and women’s torsos and chests to assert social status. Men’s scars
mark the number of enemies killed in battles, while women’s scars represent sensuality
and appeal. This form of practice is called scarification. Among the Karen women of
Myanmar and Thailand, the ultimate symbol of beauty is having visually elongated
necks. These women wear heavy brass rings (can weight up to 10 kilograms) around
their necks whose weight pushes down the collarbone to an angle, so that it looks like to
be part of the neck. Such a look makes the Karen women more attractive as it signifies
beauty and wealth.
In the Philippines, our concept of beauty is molded by the society, culture and
history. The standardization of local beauty can be traced from our colonial influences.
The color of the skin symbolizes the value of the people in society. Individuals with
lighter complexion are considered higher in terms of social disposition in the society
compared to those with brown or dark skin. For Filipinos, our concept of physical self is
basically associated with one’s skin color. This is true since our beloved country was
colonized by the Spaniards, British, Americans and Japanese with lighter skinned
complexion. The colonization of our country by these white races lasted for more than
300 years. By then, we have been compelled to believe that they were the superior
people, more civilized, and even how they look were deemed as standard beauty. This
concept of beauty is very Eurocentric (superiority of white culture) which greatly has
influenced our concept of attractiveness even today. Having lighter complexion has
become a goal for many Filipinos that even famous television and movie celebrities in
the country patronize their looks and style.

Beauty Obsession of Filipinos

White culture perspective is dominant among Filipinos. Anywhere in the
archipelago, whitening products such as soap, creams, bath salts, deodorant and even
cleanser for the genital areas are always available in every ‘sari-sari’ store, grocery
store, convenience store and department store in the country. Today, the standard hair
treatment for Filipino women is to have their hair straightened and rebounded. To attain
the more Westernize looking appearance, nose jobs are popular among many Filipinas.
But the Filipino obsession with beauty is not only common with women, but also
with men. Take the case of Xander Ford, known as Marlou Arizala, a former member of
Hasht5- a teenage group which became an online sensation not because of their
attractiveness and talent, but because of the disgust and animosity they receive for their
‘ugly’ faces in the standard of our lookist culture. Rampant bullying in the social media
because of his unattractive looks pushed him to change his physical appearance.
Xander’s decision to undergo cosmetic surgery was because of the culture which
dictates that happiness is only afforded to good-looking people. As long as our society
continues to subscribe in the Eurocentric standard of beauty, Filipinos will always be
aiming to attain their looks. For Xander Ford, it was good that he was sponsored by a
cosmetic surgery clinic unlike many who spend a lot of money just to look physically
appealing to everyone.
Altering one’s physical self involves risks of failure which sometimes will cost
one’s life. It is based on the fact that not all cosmetic surgeries are successful and safe.
For example is the case of Shiryl Saturnino (29 years old) in March 2017. She was a
businesswoman who engaged in selling beauty products. He died after undergoing
three (3) surgical procedures of breast augmentation, liposuction and buttocks
enhancement. Another is the case of Mary Jane Arciaga-Pereira (29 years old) in 2008.
She was a vacationing overseas Filipino worker who died while undergoing liposuction
procedure in a clinic in Quezon City. Though they have their personal reasons to
undergo these procedures, we cannot deny the truth that women in our society today
have been valued and devalued based on how they look. It is the primary reason that
there are many Filipino women fall victim to unnecessary and excessive cosmetic
surgeries due to that desire of looking good, if not perfect physically.
Of course, health conditions are important to be considered before undergoing
these kinds of bodily altering surgeries. Still, there are some who feel that there is
always a need for them to modify or improve whichever part of their body even if you tell
them that they already are because they feel that they do not look beautiful. This
perspective is common for a lot of millennials today who also obsess with plastic
surgery. They want to be more pleasing and beautiful. They consider that having a
beautiful face and body is always an edge in most aspects of life, especially in getting
into their chosen path.

The Filtered Self vs. The Unfiltered Self

In this digital era, the advent of social media platforms put pressure on us to look
even better. Social media is often the first port of call when seeking validation or inviting
judgement. For example, on Instagram (photo-sharing application), we post our most
physically attractive self and enhance it with filter applications to hide somehow our
imperfections, creating and recreating a self that is better approved and worth it to be
loved by our online friends. Instagram, Facebook, Flickr and other photo sharing
applications give us the freedom to change our looks, and present our physical self, not
just the way we want it, but the way our society approves it. The young people of
today’s touchscreen generation are unfortunately the victims of such since we live at a
time when our self-approval depends on the likes, shares, reacts and comments of our
social media posts and number of followers. They are constantly exposed to images of
perfect beauty and unrealistic standards, greatly affecting how they see themselves.
This creates a breeding ground for unhealthy and negative comparisons of themselves
to others that can lead to an increase in body dissatisfaction, depression, low self-
esteem and a tendency to self-harm.
Digitally altered selfies can make people lose touch with reality, creating the
expectation we are supposed to look perfectly groomed all the time. When our filtered
photos look better than the unfiltered ones, and the virtual world approves, we tend to
keep everything that way since it gives us joy and acceptance. However, there is that
possibility that the more we approve of the filtered us, the more that we disregard our
real unfiltered physical self.

Taking Care of the Physical Self

Personal Hygiene
The physical self is a significant component of a person’s image and personality.
Being clean and hygienic creates a good image and allows one to feel good about the
“self”. But is doesn’t mean that we are going to follow the hype in fashion but being neat
and well-groomed at all times is enough.
The Skin. Being the largest organ of the body, the skin plays an important role in
the physical appearance of a person. It creates impression that connects certain
attitudes and habits of the individual. The primary function of the skin is to act as a
barrier that provides protection from mechanical impact and pressure, variations in
temperature, micro-organisms, radiation and chemicals. As organ of regulation, it
regulates body temperature via sweat and hair, and changes in peripheral circulation
and fluid balance via sweat. As organ of sensation, it contains an extensive network of
nerve cells that detect and relay changes in the environment. Magalona, et. Al (2018)
enumerates ways to take care of one’s skin.
1. Taking a regular bath or shower.
2. Applying deodorant
3. Avoiding oily food
4. Preventing acne by facial cleaning
5. Sleeping at least 7-8 hours per day
6. Drinking 8 glasses of water each day.
7. Avoiding too much exposure to sunlight.
8. Using waterproof sunscreen with 15 SPF or higher.
9. Avoiding sunlight at 10-2’o’clock PM.
10. Taking Vitamin C (anti-oxidant)
11. Avoiding cigarettes.
12. Taking Vitamin E.
13. Moderate use of cosmetics.
 14. Avoiding harsh substances.
15. Using facial cream/lotion to hydrate the skin.

The Hair. The hair is the crowning glory of the physical self. Your hair symbolizes
femininity/masculinity, health and personality and can tell people a lot about you. As
part of the body, its functions include protection, regulation of body temperature, and
facilitation of evaporation of perspiration and act also as sense organs. The following
are some of the most proven and effective ways to keep your hair healthy:
1) give your hair a trim
2) cleanse with shampoo and conditioner
3) good diet
4) apply hair oils and
5) handle with care.

The Teeth. Another important part of the body that affect greatly our appearance
and image is our teeth. Unhealthy teeth turn off people as it contributes to having a bad
breath. The following are some ways to keep your teeth healthy.
1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth.
2. Brush properly.
3. Don’t neglect your tongue.
4. Use a fluoride toothpaste.
5. Treat flossing as important as brushing.
6. Consider mouthwash.
7. Drink more water.
8. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables.
9. Limit sugary and acidic foods.
10. See your dentist at least twice a year.
11. Avoid cigarettes.

Good Grooming
Good grooming means taking care of yourself and your body. Since first
impression lasts, it is necessary to take pride in our appearance and to dress
appropriately as anyone can be our audience and critic. Being physically presentable in
any occasion is an important practice in building the self-esteem of a person. Magalona,
et.al (2018) suggests the following tips to maintain proper grooming etiquettes.
1. For the Gentlemen
a. Be clean. Take a shower, cut nails, and pamper skin.
b. Select the right wardrobe for the right event.
c. Have a sense of style. Wear clothing that feels comfortable but elegant.
d. Wear clean and shiny shoes that complement your attire.
e. Smell good by wearing mild perfume scent.
f. Check your bearing. Proper body posture adds confidence and appeal.
2. For the Ladies
a. Bathe, be clean and fresh always as it exudes confidence.
b. Polish nails to add femininity and art.
c. Apply light make-up using colors that match your skin tone.
d. Choose the appropriate attire that suits the event.
e. Use a mild feminine perfume scent that fits your personality.
f. Wear clean shoes or sandals.
g. Choose the best bag or clutch that complements your clothing.
h. Bring only essentials in your bag.
i. Wear a smart face, chin up and keep proper smart posture.

Since the self is inseparable from the body, we should take very good care of our
physical self. Whether we plan to lose, gain, or maintain weight, the most important
thing to do is to keep ourselves fit. To achieve this goal, a rigid plan has to be made.
Balanced Diet
Balanced diet can make the physical self fit and healthy. It means consuming the
right kind of food at the right time and in the right proportion. The food we eat should
contain the necessary nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and
minerals essential for growth and survival, and also to prevent malnutrition and
diseases. It should also be remembered that junk food must be avoided.

Water
To allow the body to function efficiently, it is recommended that an individual
should drink at least eight glasses of water every day. The water in the body washes
away wastes to keep the skin clear and healthy. Liquids such as coffee, tea, or milk
should not be counted as water because they have caffeine, acid or fat though
containing lots of water.

Sleep
Sleep is also essential in maintaining the good disposition of the physical self.
Sleep gives the bones, muscles, and the mind the time to recover. An individual needs
eight or more hours of sleep a day. A refreshing sleep means sleeping in a firm
mattress to avoid bodily aches.

Embracing our physical self is not going to be easy in a society that dictates
beauty in physical perfection. Being positive and contented about how you look is a
good start to develop your self-acceptance. The significance of self-acceptance is
necessary in embracing your physical self. Embracing means affirming each other
regardless of your skin color, stature and body mass index. We should not depend the
way we look in the standards set by our society. We have to be reminded that our
personal health is of foremost consideration. We must remember that body size, shape,
skin color and stature are always never correct indicators of a healthy life. We can live
in peace, and at peace with our self by learning to accept and embrace who we are in
the society where beauty, flaws and imperfections are always a big deal.

What I Can Do

Using your cellphone with camera, create a 2-minute video campaign promoting body positivity. Include in
your output concepts and ideas discussed in this module.

References:
Adams, Fiona. The Concept of beauty in Different Culture. Retrieved July 30, 2020 from
https://www.roughdraft.eu/concept-beauty-different-cultures/

Basic Human Anatomy. Chapter 4. The skin, hair and nails. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
https://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/part_1/chapter_4.html#

Brawner, G. D & Arcega, A.F (2018). Understanding the Self. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.

Cherney, Kristeen (2017). 11 Ways to Keep your Teeth Healthy. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth#1

Ford, Paul (2009). Beauty in Different Culture. Retrieved July 30, 2020 from
https://www.paulford.com/advertising/beauty-in-different-cultures.

Frando, M. F & Isip, L.A (2019). Understanding the Self. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.

Lasco, Gideon (2017). When Plastic Surgery Goes Wrong. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
https://www.opinion.inquirer.net/103012/plastic-surgery-goes-wrong/
Magalona, E. et al (2018). Understanding the Self. Manila City: Mindshapers Co,. Inc.

Palean, E. D. et al (2018). Introspection: Understanding the Self. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp.
Publishing Corp.

Paudyal, Nabin. 5 of the Most Effective Ways to Keep your Hair Healthy. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
https://www.lifehack.org/501552/5-the-most-effective-ways-keep-your-hair-healthy

Prideaux, Sophie. Filtered Images and Unrealistic Expectations: Social Media’s link to Depression and Self-
harm. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/wellbeing/filtered-images-and-
unrealistic-expectations-social-media-s-linl-to-depression-and-self-harm-1.894653

Structure and Function of the Skin. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from https://www.clinimed.co.uk/wound-
care/wound-essentials/structure-and-function-of-the-skin#