Unpacking The Self Lecture

II.
Unpacking the Self

Learning objectives:
1. Identify the stages of life and explain the physical changes that occur at each stage;
2. Recognize the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the physical development of the
self;
3. Describe the factors that affect body image;
4. Examine the impact of culture on body image and self;
Develop a positive body image
Introduction to Physical Self

When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Why do we recognize the physical features of
ourselves? Why does our look affect the way we feel? Even though we are taught to value qualities
beyond physical appearance, we cannot deny that the physical aspect is a part of our identity. Often,
it is the first aspect that we present and what other people see. How we dress, our accessories, and even
our posture partially represent who we are. They also reflect the influences around us. In the
age of globalization, we are exposed to celebrities and other famous people. Their beauty can sometimes
make others feel insecure, as they try to fit into a standard set by other cultures. In this topic,
we will examine what is the physical self, how culture affects our perception of beauty, and the
importance of the physical self to our overall well-being.
Physical Self
• Refers to the body: a concrete dimension and a tangible aspect of the person that can be directly
observed and examined
• Includes the body and the perception of the body by the self
• How the body conforms to the current standards of beauty
• How the body expresses the self
• Individuals try to adhere to the current standards of beauty
• Gain acceptance
• Boost self-esteem
Self as impacted by the Body

• The physical self is fundamental to identity
• People assess other people based on how they look
• Some people let their physical selves define who they are
• Concept of beauty affects self-esteem
• Self-esteem – how much we feel we are worth and how much we feel other people value us
Relationships of Body Image, Mental Health, and Self-Esteem

• Positive body image – accepting one’s self the way you are, even if you do not fit what the media deems
“ideal.”
• Negative body image – feeling badly about the way one looks. Decreases self-esteem, becomes a target
of ridicule, and can lead to maladaptive responses.
Body Image Dissatisfaction

• The negative perceptions and feelings a person has about their body
• Influenced by factors such as body shape and appearance, attitudes towards weight gain, and cultural
norms in relation to an ideal body
• There are links between body image problems and psychological problems (low self-esteem, anxiety,
and depression)
• Can lead to eating disorders and other maladaptive behavior
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

• A distinct mental disorder in which a person is preoccupied with an imagined physical defect or a minor
defect that others often cannot see.
• People with this disorder see themselves as "ugly" and often avoid social exposure or
turn to plastic surgery to try to improve their appearance.
Eating Disorders
- illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about
body weight or shape.
Anorexia Nervosa
• Obsessive fear of gaining weight, refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, and an unrealistic
perception of body image.
• Fiercely limit the quantity of food they consume and view themselves as overweight, even
when they are clearly underweight.
• Can have damaging health effects, such as brain damage, multi-organ failure, bone loss, heart
difficulties, and infertility.
• The risk of death is highest.
Bulimia Nervosa
• Characterized by repeated binge eating followed by behaviors that compensate for the
overeating, such as forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or extreme use of laxatives or diuretics.
• May fear weight gain and feel severely unhappy with their body size and shape. • The
binge-eating and purging cycle is typically done in secret, creating feelings of shame, guilt,
and lack of control.
• Can have injuring effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, severe dehydration, and
heart difficulties resulting from an electrolyte imbalance.
Binge Eating Disorder

• Frequent loss of control of eating.
• Episodes of binge eating are not followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging, fasting, or
excessive exercise.
• Many people suffering from BED may be obese and at an increased risk of developing other conditions,
such as cardiovascular disease.
• May also experience intense feelings of guilt, distress, and embarrassment related to their
binge eating, which could influence the further progression of the eating disorder.
Tips for Having a Positive Body Image
• Recognize that your body is your own, no matter what shape or size it comes in
• Identify which aspects of your appearance you can realistically change and those that you cannot
• If there are things about yourself that you want to change and can, do this by making goals for yourself
• When you hear negative comments coming from within, tell yourself to stop
• Try building your self-esteem by giving yourself three compliments every day
Concepts of Beauty According to Culture

Korea - Prefers pale skin color, tanned skin means you’re a peasant.
India - Fair skin color means having wealth and luxury
USA - Big butts, big lips, big breasts, skinny figure, and flawless skin
England - Sexy, slim, and well-toned bodies
Arab World - Focus on the attractiveness of the eyes, Flawless skin
Philippines - Fair skin, long, straight, black hair, high-bridged nose, and slanted eyes “Chinitas” and
“Mestizos.
THEORIES OF PHYSICAL SELF
Theory of Physiognomy suggests that a person’s physical characteristics such as

facial features and expressions and body structures could be related to a person’s
character or personality. According to ancient Chinese practice of face reading, the
face is a three-dimensional reflection of “who we are and how life has affected us”.
Five Element Theory questions which makes us of the elements of water, wood,
fire, earth and metal as archetypes for everything occurring in the natural world? Each
element corresponds to season, body major organs, and behavioral tendencies.
Theory of Body Fluids - Any deficiency or excess in the four body fluid influences person’s personality,
temperament and being (Hippocrates).
A. SANGUINE TYPE - They tend to be impulsive, cheerful, happy and optimistic, highly talkative,
active, social more extroverted, charismatic, have hard time doing nothing and engage in more risk
seeking behaviors.
B. MELANCHOLIC - They tend to be depressed and pessimistic, detailed oriented, strives for
perfections with themselves and surroundings leads to detailed behavior. They are also often
anxious.
C. CHOLERIC - They tend to easily angry, jumpy and temperamental, independent, goal oriented,
ambitious, good natural leaders.
D. PHLEGMATIC - They tend to be independent, goal oriented, ambitious, good natural leader.
JEAN HANER’S WISDOM OF THE FACE
a. Oval shaped faces are hospitable and tactful. They also tend to be a perfectionist and
aggressive.
b. Round shaped faces tend to be friendly, kindhearted and selfless.
c. Triangle shaped faces tends to be creative, artistic, sensitive and determined.
d. Heart shaped faces tend to be patient and intuitive in nature.
e. Diamond shape face tends to be very detailed oriented and like to be in control.
f. Square shaped tend to be witty, good leaders and analytical.
g. People with full and thick eyebrows are tends to be confident, assertive,
and goal oriented.
h. Person with highly defined jaws has strong values and firm beliefs.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTY

Standards of beauty have changed overtime due to changing cultural values. Even so, all
cultures have more or less the same concept of what is beautiful. Beauty has always been
considered important throughout history because features indicate youth, health, good genes, and
fertility.
BODY MODIFICATION
A. Tattooing – injects ink onto the skin to draw a design.
B. Make Ups – also can be a permanent tattoo.
C. Piercing – lets people wear jewelry throughout different piercings in their body such as nose,
ears and tongue. Traditionally, tattooing and piercing were considered signs of strengths, bravery
and social status.
D. Cosmetic Surgery – Includes surgical or non-surgical procedures to restore, reconstruct, or
alter body parts. This includes breast enhancement, nose lift, liposuction or botox. Involves
health risks and allergies, whitening pills which might resulted from use of unclean and poor-
quality equipment.
REMEMBER: People tend to judged others based on physical appearance. However,

physical appearance alone is not enough to know a person’s true character. It is important
to see into person’s inner thoughts and feelings. Above all things physical, it is more important
to be beautiful on the inside.
Here are some ways to improve your body image and inner self:
• Smile a lot.
• Take good care of your health.
• Live a well-balanced life.
• Dress well and be neat.
• Spend some time alone to reflect.
• Develop a wholesome attitude toward sex.
• Avoid temptations.
• Respect individuality.
• Make friends.
• Accept things as they are.
• Think positive.
• Ask and listen.
• Count your blessings and be thankful.

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II.

Unpacking the Self

Introduction to Physical Self

Self as impacted by the Body

Relationships of Body Image, Mental Health, and Self-Esteem

Body Image Dissatisfaction

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Binge Eating Disorder

Concepts of Beauty According to Culture

THEORIES OF PHYSICAL SELF

Theory of Physiognomy suggests that a person’s physical characteristics such as

JEAN HANER’S WISDOM OF THE FACE

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTY

REMEMBER: People tend to judged others based on physical appearance. However,

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