Cagayan de Oro College

PHINMA EDUCATION NETWORK

Gen003: Understanding the Self
Prepared by Hairiya O. H.Ali, RPm

Day12: Biological, Psychological and Socio-economic Factors Influencing the Self

Examples:
Biological factors: If you came from obese family, there is a tendency that you will also become obese. If the
skin color of your parents is black then there is a great tendency that you will also have the same skin color as
them. Other examples: Hereditary defects, birth defects etc.

Physiological factors: If your father is a math wizard, we say he is good in math then there is a possibility that
the offspring will also be a math wizard/will also be good in math. If your mother is hot-tempered, then there is
a great tendency that the children will also be the same.

Socio-economic factors: If you were born in a wealthy family, then there is a great tendency that you will be
with the rich people, you will buy expensive clothes, expensive shoes, expensive things. If you were born in a
poor family, then you will be with poor people also, you will buy clothes that is affordable. You prefer eating at
the low-cost restaurants or maybe in street foods.

Day13: The Physical Self – Body Image and Self-esteem

Physical Self is any tangible aspect of the person that can be directly observed and examined. Anything that is
directly observable in your physical appearance. Example: Her hair is curly, her eyes is big, she is fat, he is tall,
dark and handsome.

Body image is how you view your physical self — including whether you feel you are attractive and whether
others like your looks. Example: I see myself as pretty, I see myself as tall, I see myself as handsome, I see
myself as skinny.

Self-esteem is all about how much you feel you are worth — and how much you feel other people value you.
Self-esteem is important because feeling good about yourself can affect your mental health and how you
behave.

Some benefits of high self-esteem:

 Increase respect of yourself.

 Increase ability to reach your goals. (In what way? Knowing that being an accountancy/engineering
students for example is tough, so the moment that your believe in yourself that you can do it, you can
make it and you can graduate to this course, the behaviour will follow so eventually you are going to
make it because you are going to make it happen.)
 Increase willingness to try new things (you are not afraid to try new things because you believe in
yourself and you trust yourself that you can do it.)
 Increase feeling of value.

Day14: The Physical Self - Man and Woman as Object of Beauty VS. Man and woman as Subject of
Beauty

Beauty is a characteristic of an animal, idea, object, person or place that provides a perceptual experience of
pleasure or satisfaction.

Beauty is studied as part of aesthetics, culture, social psychology, philosophy and sociology. An "ideal beauty"
is an entity which is admired, or possesses features widely attributed to beauty in a particular culture, for
perfection.

Day15: The Material/Economic Self

Material self is a total of all tangible things you own: body. Anything that you incorporate or you associate with
yourself is your material self. Example: My favourite color is blue. My favorite subject is Math. My favorite
school is MSU. My favorite friend is Aighar Daneen. I’m a fan of Toni Gonzaga. I’m a fan of K-pop, K-drama.
Material self/Economic self is subdivided into two major categories:

1. Bodily part (Part of your body) Example: your nose, eyes, skin, hair, ears. Anything that could be
found in your body that is your bodily part.
2. Extracorporal/External self is any material possession that extends us. This is actually the same with
material self. Anything that you associate yourself with is your extracorporal/external self. Example:
your favorite color, your favorite teacher, your favorite hobbies, your favorite subject, your favorite
friend.

Self-Concept in Consumer Behavior

There are four kinds of self-images which are:

1, actual self-image', how consumers see themselves,
2. ideal self-image', how consumers will like to see themselves,
3. social self-image', how consumers feel others see them,
4. ideal self-image', consumers they wish to be.

Note: Actual self-image (Real self), Ideal self-image (Ideal self)

Factors that affect consumers behavior when buying:

1. Social factors: (a) Culture. You cannot expect a maranaw woman to buy crop top, mini skirts, shorts, super tight
skinny jeans because that person is being influence by her culture (the maranaw culture) in which, in their culture,
she was expected to wear lose dresses, veil, etc. (b) Social status. You cannot expect a poor person to buy
expensive clothes, expensive shoes, and expensive bags. You can only expect that person to buy product that is in
line with her budget for example in ‘tiangge’ ‘ukay-ukay’.
2. Personal factors: (a) Self-concept. If the self-concept of a person is being a conservative or a person view herself
as conservative, you cannot expect that person to buy crop tops, mini skirts, shorts and wear it. She will buy
products that is according to her self-concept, if for example that person is conservative, expect that this person
will buy lose dresses, long sleeves etc. (b) Age. You cannot expect a 90 year old woman to buy converse shoes
and wear it. You cannot expect a 90 year old woman to buy crop top, mini skirt and shorts and wear it. You can
only expect them to buy sandals that is appropriate or proportional to their age. (c) Gender. You cannot expect a
man to buy panties and bra. You cannot expect a woman to buy brief for herself. A man will only buy products
that is in line with his gender. A woman will buy products that is in line with her gender. (d) Occupation. You
cannot expect an engineer to buy lesson plan, chalk and eraser but you can expect a teacher to buy all of these
things (lesson plan, chalk, eraser etc.)
3. Psychological factors: (a) motivation, (b) perception, (c) learning, (d) belief, (e) attitude.

Day16: The spiritual self

Spiritual identity is "a persistent sense of self that addresses ultimate questions about the nature, purpose, and meaning of
life, resulting in behaviors that are consonant with the individual's core values. It consist of your internal thoughts and
introspections about your values and moral standards. It is a man’s inner or subjective being. It is a man’s physical
faculties or dispositions.It is the essence of who you think you are. It is a mixture of your spiritual beliefs and your sense
of who you are in relationship to other forces in the universe.

Role of the Spiritual Self:

1. Provides a super-sensory overview of the entire mind-body-emotion connection.
2. Focuses attention upon the inner worlds of creativity and potentials (personal growth).
3. Increases awareness of our inner and outer selves. Self-awareness.
4. Cooperates with the limbic system, gut feelings and the ability to identify with the experiences of others.
Compassion.
5. Altruism

Day17: The Sexual Self – Part I

Sexual Self definition comprised of three aspects: gender identity, gender role and gender orientation. Sexual identity can
change throughout an individual's life, and may or may not align with biological sex, sexual behavior or actual sexual
orientation. It reflects sexual self-concept, that is, the individual's evaluation of his or her own sexual feelings and actions.

In sexual identity, it is not necessarily that if you are born with vagina (baby girl), all throughout your life you will
become a girl or if you are born with penis (baby boy), all throughout your life you will become a boy. There are some
instances that you choose your gender according to your sexual feelings. We say, you were born as a girl, then you
discover that emotionally and sexually, you are more into being a man. So eventually, you started wearing stuffs that are
for masculine stuffs, you start hanging out with boys or we say you prefer being with boys and you are sexually attracted
to woman. You discover that you are a lesbian, vice versa.

 Primary sex characteristics are body structures directly concerned with reproduction. Penis for the boys and
vagina for the girls.

 Secondary sex characteristics are physical features which only appears during the time that you reach
puberty. Example: enlargement of breast, widening of hips, broadening of shoulders, etc.

Psychosexual stages of development by Sigmund Freud (the father of psychoanalysis)

Psychosexual stages of development was a theory that was theorized by Sigmund Freud. When you say theory, it is a set
of assumption. It doesn’t mean that all of the ideas that was theorized by Sigmund Freud are all true because, these are
still under theory, an assumption or an attempt to explain why such thing happen. It could actually be applicable to
someone and it could also be not applicable to someone.

The sequence of psychosexual stages of development is based on erogenous zone. Erogenous zone is being define as
sensitive part of the body that arouse sexual pleasure, desire and stimulation. In every stages, there is an erogenous zone.
If the conflict in erogenous zone is not successfully completed or not successfully satisfied by the time that it should be
completed/satisfied, a particular person will be fixated into that specific erogenous zone as a result, these fixation will
come out in adulthood.

Note: If the sequence of the psychosexual stages of development is followed and successfully completed, it will result to a
healthy personality. If not satisfied or completed successfully, it will result to unhealthy personality.

1. ORAL STAGE (birth-1 year old)

 Erogenous zone is mouth (oral pleasure)

 If oral pleasure is not successfully completed or satisfied, that person will be fixated to his/her mouth. The
tendency is, in adulthood, the person will do anything that will satisfy her oral pleasure.
 Oral fixated/Oral personality include: smoking, drinking alcohol, overeating, nail biting, kissing, etc.

2. ANAL STAGE (1-3 years old)

 Erogenous zone is anus (bladder and bowel control)

 Major development: Toilet training
 If the parents is too lenient (meaning not too strict) during the toilet training, it will end up that the person
will have anal-expulsive personality. Anal expulsive personality includes: Destructive, messy and
wasteful.
 If the parents is too strict or forceful during the toilet training, it will end up that the person will have
anal-retentive personality. Anal-retentive personality includes being perfectionist, cleanliness and
orderliness.

3. PHALLIC STAGE (3-6 years old)

 Erogenous zone: Genitals

 Major development: Resolving Oedipus complex and Electra complex
  Note: Oedipus Complex (the son has a sexual desire towards the mother) (base on Sigmund Freud’s idea)
 Note: Electra Complex (the daughter has a sexual desire towards the father) (base on the idea of Carl
Jung)
 Add. Term: Penis envy (girls is envy of the boys because they have penis); Womb envy (according to
Karen Horney, the girls don’t have penis envy instead boys has a womb envy. Womb envy is a tendency
that boys are envy of the girls because they are capable of giving birth). Masculine protest (a pathological
belief that men are superior than women. Base on the idea of Alfred Adler)
 In this stage, the Oedipus complex will be resolved because the son will be aware of castration anxiety or
the fear that the father will cut off his penis because of his oedipal feelings towards his mother.
 According to Sigmund Freud, if the erogenous zone in this stage will be failed to resolve, it will lead that
the person will end up having a sexual dysfunction, sexual deviance and weak sexual identity.

4. LATENCY STAGE (6 years old – puberty)

 No erogenous zone therefore there is no fixation.

 The only focus of this stage is social interaction and intellectual activities.

5. GENITAL STAGE (puberty – adulthood)

 Erogenous zone: maturing sexual interest/ reawakening of sexual urges.

 Major development: interest to opposite sex
 According to Sigmund freud, if all of the erogenous zones from the previous stages will be resolved or
will be successfully completed, the person will become caring but if erogenous zone from the previous
stages failed to resolved, it will lead to sexual perversion.
 Sexual perversion is define as having a sexual intercourse that is not normal.

Sexual disorders:
 Pedophilia – old people prefer having a sexual intercourse with younger people. Ex. Father to
daughter, grandfather to granddaughter and uncle to niece.
 Voyeurism – practice of observing, to become aroused, an unsuspecting individual undressing or
naked. Ex. Watching someone who is naked, then while watching, the person is masturbating.
 Necrophilia – person who is having a sex with corpse/dead.
 Fetishism - person is sexually attracted to nonliving objects. Ex. Shoes, stockings etc.
 Sexual Masochism – the sexual pleasure is when your partner inflicting pain or humiliation
towards you while you are having sexual intercourse.
 Sexual sadism – your sexual pleasure is when you are inflicting pain or humiliation to your
partner while having sexual intercourse.
 Bestiality – person who is having a sex with animals. Usually dogs.
 Frotteurism - rubbing against woman. (panghihipo)
 Exhibitionist - is achieving sexual arousal and gratification by exposing genitals to unsuspecting
strangers.
 Coprophilia (poop)
 Eproctophilia (fart)

Day18: Sexual Self Part II

Biology of Sexual Behavior

The biology of human sexuality includes the reproductive system and the sexual response cycle, as well as the factors that
affect them.

 Females have both external genitalia (known as the vulva) and internal reproductive organs (including the
ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina).
 Males also have both internal and external genitalia; the main sex organs are the penis and testicles.
 The hypothalamus is the most important part of the brain for sexual functioning; it produces important sexual
hormones that are then secreted by the pituitary gland.
  Sex hormones that influence sexual behavior include oxytocin, prolactin, vasopressin, follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH); others include testosterone in males and estrogen and
progesterone in females.

Reproductive System
The organs and glands in the body that aid in the production of new individuals (reproduction). 

 In the male, sperm are produced in the testes and conveyed to the female in a fluid called semen, which
passes out of  thebody through the penis. Other parts of the male reproductive system include the prostate
gland, the scrotum, and the urethra.
 In the female, the eggs, or ova are produced in the ovaries and released during ovulation into the fallopian
tubes about halfway through the menstrual cycle. If fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote travels down
the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants and continues development. If the ovum is not fertilized, it
continues its journey toward the uterus, where it degenerates and is released in the menstrual flow through the
vagina during menstruation.

Understanding Human Sexual Response

The sexual response cycle refers to the sequence of physical and emotional changes that occur as a person becomes
sexually aroused and participates in sexually stimulating activities, including intercourse and masturbation. 

The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Both men and women experience
these phases, although the timing usually is different. For example, it is unlikely that both partners will reach orgasm at the
same time. In addition, the intensity of the response and the time spent in each phase varies from person to person.
Understanding these differences may help partners better understand one another's bodies and responses, and enhance the
sexual experience.

Phase 1: Excitement Phase 2: Plateau Phase 3: Orgasm Phase 4: Resolution

Characteristics can last from a Characteristics extends to the It is the climax of the
few minutes to several hours. brink of orgasm. sexual response cycle.
Shortest of the phases and
generally lasts only a few
seconds.
 Muscle tension increases.  The changes begun in  Involuntary During resolution, the body
 Heart rate quickens and phase 1 are intensified. muscle contractions  slowly returns to its normal
breathing is accelerated.  The vagina continues to begin. level of functioning, and
 Skin may become flushed swell from  Blood pressure, heart swelled and erect body parts
(blotches of redness increased blood flow, rate, and breathing are return to their previous size
appear on the chest and and the vaginal walls at their highest rates, and color. This phase is
back). turn a dark purple. with a rapid intake of marked by a general sense
 Nipples become hardened  The woman's clitoris oxygen. of well-being,
or erect. becomes highly  Muscles in the feet enhanced intimacy and,
 Blood flow to the genitals sensitive (may even be spasm. often, fatigue. Some women
 increases, resulting in painful to touch) and  There is a sudden, are capable of a rapid return
swelling of the woman's retracts under the forceful release of to the orgasm phase with
clitoris and labia minora clitoral hood to avoid sexual tension. further sexual stimulation
(inner lips), and erection direct stimulation from  In women, the muscles and may experience
of the man's penis. the penis. of the vagina contract. multiple orgasms. Men need
 Vaginal lubrication  The man's testicles are The uterus also recovery time after orgasm,
begins. withdrawn up into the undergoes rhythmic called a refractory period,
 The scrotum. contractions. during which they cannot
woman's breasts become  Breathing, heart rate,  In men, rhythmic reach orgasm again. The
fuller and the vaginal and blood contractions of the duration of the refractory
walls begin to swell. pressure continue to muscles at the base of period varies among men
 The man's testicles swell, increase. the penis result in the and usually lengthens with
his scrotum tightens, and  Muscle spasms may ejaculation of semen. advancing age.
he begins secreting a begin in the feet, face,  A rash, or "sex flush"
lubricating liquid. and hands. may appear over the
 Muscle tension entire body.
increases.

Chemistry of Lust, Attraction and Attachment

Neurotrasmitters in the brain:

1. LUST (Testosterone and Estrogen)

2. ATTRACTION (Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin)
3. ATTACHMENT (Oxytocin and Vasopressin)

 When cortisol in the brain increases = causes us to feel nervous.

 When oxytocin in the brain increases = amorous
 When woman’s testosterone increases = woman become aggressive
 When man’s testosterone decreases = man becomes passive and cold
 When dopamine increases = loving feeling
 When the dopamine is blocked = loses the loving feeling
 When a woman see’s the man she is interested in her dopamine increases and goes up to 51%
 The oxytocin increases when a woman is in love/ when two person cuddle, kiss, having a good time and when a
woman is building a trust towards her partner.
 Vasopressin in male increases when they are in-love; when vasopressin is blocked then they loses the loving
feeling towards their woman.
Day19: Sexual Self – III

Sexual Diversity means that everyone has different understandings about what sexuality means to them. It is often used in
the context of sexual orientation. Also refers to all sex characteristics and gender identity.

Heterosexual: Woman who is in-love with man. Man who is in love with woman.
Homosexual: Man prefers man; Woman prefers woman. Lebian and Gay
Bisexual: Woman likes both gender (man and another woman); Man likes both gender (woman and another man)
Transexual: people who undergo surgery to change their gender. From vagina to penis, and from penis to vagina.