Understanding the Self

Module 2
Unfolding the Biological Self

Prepared by:
Noville E. Malugao, RPm.
Module 2 Unfolding the Biological  Self
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This module tackles two important representations of self: the physical and sexual. The first
section identifies biological and environmental factors that affect the physical self as well as issues and
challenges that individual face with regard to their physical characteristics. The second section discusses
sexual attributes, characteristics, gender, and responsible sexual behavior.

Module 2.1 The physical Self

Objectives

1. discuss the concepts of heredity and maturation

2. identify biological and environmental factors that impact the physical self; and
3. analyze and evaluate issues associated with physical well-being

Module 2.2 The Sexual Self

Objectives

1. discuss and elaborate concepts associated with the sexual self, including sex and
gender;
2. identify factors that contribute to one’s sexual development; and
3. explain how one can manifest responsible sexual behaviour
4. Examine one’s self against the Sexual aspects of self discussed in the class.

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Module 2.1 The physical Self

Have you ever wondered, why is my physical make-up like this? Or have you ever wondered
what makes up you?

This section identifies and explains the biological and environmental factors that shape the physical
self. It also delves into socio-cultural issues associated with physical well-being.

 The Biological Blueprint

 The physical self is shaped by biological and environmental factors. It is surrounded by

issues associated with health, hygiene, nutrition, and standards of beauty among others.

 Heredity is defined as the transmission of traits from parents to offspring. The traits are
made up of specific information embedded within one’s gene (the basic unit of
heredity).

 Manifestation of particular traits can be attributed to the concepts of genotype and

phenotype.

- Genotype refers to the specific information embedded within one’s genes; not

all genotypes translate to an observed physical characteristic.

- Phenotype is the physical expression of a particular trait.

 Each individual carries 23 pairs of chromosomes, which are threadlike bodies in the

nucleus of the cell and the storage unit of genes. The 23rd pair, also known as sex
chromosomes, determines the sex of an individual.

- XX chromosomes indicates a Male; XY chromosome indicates a Female.

- Within each chromosome is the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is a nucleic

acid that contains the genetic instructions specifying the biological development
of every individual.

 Maturation is known as the completion of growth of a genetic character within an

organism or the unfolding of an individual’s inherent traits or potential.

 Environmental Conditioning

 While genetic information determines the extent of your physical feature, it is NOT the
only factor that influences the physical self. As you grow up, you are exposed to
environmental influences that shape your physical self, including those from your social
networks, societal expectations, and cultural practices.

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 Family, being your first social group, forms a crucial foundation of your development,
including that of your physical self. Referred to by many social scientist as the nursery of
human nature.

 As you grow older, you get exposed to a larger social group with new practices and
standards. As a result, you may begin engaging in acts that would make you attractive
and acceptable to others (Social Conformity, Social Norms, Social Standard).

 One aspect of physical beauty is a person’s body type. Contemporary media has
portrayed slim 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.

 However, some adolescents may resort to unhealthy habits just to achieve the ideal
body type. It is important to remember that physical beauty is only skin-deep; that what
matters is feeling good about oneself and embracing a healthy perception of one’s
physical worth.

 Achieving Physical Well-being

1. Healthy eating. Following a healthy diet results in healthy skin, ideal weight, and better
stamina.
2. Embracing a healthy lifestyle. Physical activities such as walking, running, going to the
gym, and engaging in sports also contribute to a healthier body.
3. Maintaining proper hygiene. Taking care of your body by consistently following a
hygiene regimen can also help you feel good about yourself.
4. Being confident. Be secure in yourself, embrace a positive outlook toward various
situations and problems, and love and accept who you are.

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ACTIVITY 2.2 MEvolution, The Beautiful Me.

Name: ________________________________________ Date:____________________

Course and Section: __________________________
Instruction: Create a collage using your own pictures to show how much you developed from the time
you were born up to the present. For each picture write a caption to tell a story about your own
evolution. Focus on the physical changes manifested while you were growing up.

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Module 2.2 The Sexual Self

This section tackles one of the most crucial aspects of human development, the sexual self. It highlights
biological and environmental factors that shape sexual development. Tips on regulating sexual behavior
are also provided.

The Biology of Self

 At birth, the sexual genital (penis for male, vagina for female) is a biological feature that
distinguishes males from females. Moreover, during puberty, observable changes in the
human body also known as secondary sexual characteristics begin.

 When physiological changes are triggered within the adolescent’s reproductive system,
he or she is likely to experience sexual urges, become more sensitive to sexual stimuli,
and feel sexual arousal.

 Humans are likely to engage in sexual activities to satisfy sexual urges. However, the
kind of sexual activities they engage in may vary.

 A person should be aware of his/her sexuality and sexual attributes in order to make
responsible decisions. Adolescents need to realize the importance of having informed
choices.

Sexual Identity and Gender Orientation

 Biological sex is one’s assignment upon birth and is dependent on physical feature. On
the other hand, gender is an identity that is learned and embraced by individual.

 Gender roles refer to societal expectations of how men and women should act.
Everyone has a basic idea of gender roles: men are assumed to be strong and
dominant while women are perceived to be submissive and demure .

 Sexual identity and gender orientation underlie one’s concept of self. A person
expresses his or her sexuality through individuality; one’s belief and behavioral lifestyle
are based on his or her own perceptions of sexuality. (READ ABOUT SOGIE)

The Consequences of Sexual Choices

 Sexual intercourse (copulation) is the reproductive act in which the male organ (penis)
enters the female’s reproductive tract (vagina). Adolescents couples who engage in
sexual intercourse are usually overwhelmed by the sensations they feel during the act.

 However, if the woman is fertile during the time of intercourse, pregnancy is likely to
occur and it lasts 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. Physical risks to having an early pregnancy may impact an adolescent’s

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development, including miscarriage, emotional stress, and health risks to both mother
and infant.

 Aside from pregnancy, another consequence of impulsive and careless sexual

intercourse is the risk of acquiring sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). Among common
STDs are:

 Syphilis

 Gonorrhea

 Chlamydia

 Genital Warts

 The most alarming sexually transmitted disease is the acquired immune deficiency

syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus  (HIV). It can be
transmitted by contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-
infected blood or blood-contaminated body fluids.

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 It is important that everyone makes responsible decisions with regard to sexuality and
sexual behavior. Responsible sexual behavior entails the following:

 Respect for one’s body. It means taking care of one’s body and avoiding
activities that undermine one’s worth and respect.

 Maturity in thoughts and deeds. It refers to being objective, rational, and calm,
instead of being swept by one’s emotion.

 Being guided by one’s personal beliefs and core values. Everyone, especially an

adolescent, should always be grounded by his/her personal principles and self-
worth.

 Being future-oriented. Instead of focusing on the present, a person should

always weigh his or her present actions with possible consequences in the
future.

 Class activity. Comparing expectations: What does he wants? What does she wants? A voice-out
to the inner desires and wants in relationships, sex, and love

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ACTIVITY 2.2 I THINK…..

Name: ________________________________________ Date:____________________

Course and Section: __________________________
Instruction: Answer the following questions. Explain your proposition thoroughly and simply. Remember
Plagiarism is a crime.

1. Do beauty pageants objectify women?

2. Are you in favour of

same sex marriage?

3. Are you in favor of

sex education?

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REFERENCES:

Main References:

Arcega A., & Brawner D. (2018) Understanding the Self. C&E Publishing Inc.

Castillo J.C., Junghan-Pinugo J. & Macayan J (2019) Understanding the Self. Outcome-Based
Module. C & E Publishing Inc.

Supplemental Readings

Department of Health(2014) The Philippine Clinical Standards Manual on Family Planning.

Ellison et. Al. (2006) Managing Impressions online: Self presentation processes in the online
dating environment. Journal of Computer Mediated Communication. 11.415-441. Doi:
10.111/j.1083-6101.2006.00020x

Greenberg, Jerrold, et. al.( 2014) Introducing the Dimensions of Human Sexuality in Exploring
the Dimensions of Human Sexuality, 5th ed. Burlington, Jones and Bartlett Learning. 1- 36.

Richardson, Niall and Adam Locks (2014) Body Image: Beauty and Age(ing) in Body Studies:
The Basics. New York, Routledge. 30-48.

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