Accountancy, Business, and Management Strand

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
S.Y. 2020-2021

CHAPTER 2
Developing the Whole Self
INTRODUCTION

In this subject, when we speak of the word, “self” – it does not only involve one aspect of our
individuality. This subject attempt to pay attention to the “whole person” which suggests one’s totality or
the complete aspects of the self. Thus, it is important to know the relationship and connections among
various aspect of the holistic development – physiological, cognitive, psychological, spiritual, and social
development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students are expected to:

a. Discuss the relationship among physiological, cognitive, psychological, spiritual, and social development
to understand one’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior;
b. Evaluate one’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior; and
c. Show the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behavior in actual life situations.

In developing oneself, we need to further enhance the totality of a person. In this way, we enhance the
whole person. This is referred to as holistic development. Holistic Development is defined as the
improvement and enhancement of an individual’s totality as a person by looking onto the different aspects
of one’s individuality. The same may connote the degree to which the person can accomplish in the near
future.

Holism and Gestalt

In 1890, German psychologists Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Kohler introduced the
concept of “Gestalt” which roughly translate to the word “whole”. Its major concern is how individual parts
are related to one another to make up a whole (OpenStax College, 2014). Furthermore, this is defined by
Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “something that is made of many parts and yet is somehow more than or
different from the combination of its part; broadly, the general quality of character of something.”

One good example of this is how a song is made up of different notes to form one cohesive sound. This
suggests how important each note in forming a cohesive song. Furthermore, it could be analogous to one’s
self in which every part of who we are as a person is important (Santos, 2016).

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
S.Y. 2020-2021

In the earlier twentieth century, General Jan C. Smuts, coined the term “Holism”, which refers to “the
tendency in nature to form wholes which are greater than the sum of the parts through creative evolution
(Shelley, 2006). Furthermore, personality is regarded as the highest form of “holism”.

With all this knowledge about holism, gestalt and the self, it follows the basic principle that we uphold when
it comes to personal development. In understanding humans, it is important to see the person in his
entirety and not just his parts.

ASPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT

Cognitive Development

Cognition is defined as thinking and includes processes associated with it including perception, knowledge,
problem solving, judgment, language, and memory (OpenStax College, 2014). When it comes to one’s
cognitive aspect, one measure that is almost always considered is intelligence.

There are different theories that define what the word intelligence means. According to Charles Spearman,
intelligence consists of a general single factor that could be measured and compared among individuals.
This enables individuals to solve problems and do well in other areas in cognition (OpenStax College, 2014).
On the other hand, Raymond Cattell classified intelligence into two: crystallized and fluid intelligence.
Crystallized intelligence refers to one’s acquired knowledge and the ability to retrieve such knowledge
(Gleitman, Gross, & Reisberg, 2011). On the other hand, fluid intelligence is defined as the efficiency and
speed of functioning, and one’s ability to think and reason abstractly (Gleitman, et al., 2011).

Meanwhile, Robert Sternberg described

intelligence in his “triarchic theory of intelligence”.
He divided intelligence into analytical, creative, and
practical intelligence. Individuals who are high in
analytical intelligence tends to be good at academic
problem solving, meanwhile people who are high in
creative intelligence tends to be imaginative and
innovative. On the other hand, individuals high in
practical intelligence are “street smarts” and use
often their common sense when it comes to
decision-making (OpenStax College, 2014).
Figure Robert Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
S.Y. 2020-2021

Social Development

The social facet includes social relationships and interactions. Usual words associated to it are family,
friends and social support. The larger scope which focuses on human interaction considering individual’s
similarities and differences. This also includes the societal divide. It is a known fact that there are societies
within a certain society. The divide maybe attributed to variations in terms of demographics (sex, age),
societal roles (Father, mother, sister, brother, friend, colleague), and perspectives (Religious, political).
(Delena, et al., 2017).

Physiological Development

Physiological development involves one’s physical attributes including one’s physical senses (Santos, 2016).
The person’s physique, body, and health are areas that are commonly used to describe such aspect.
Somehow, our physical health is a reflection of the lifestyle and the kind of lives we lead (Magalona &
Salting-Sadsad, 2016).

Furthermore, an individual’s physical nature involves changes in biological processes. Genes and hormonal
changes contribute to the development of our physical attributes such as the development of the brain,
changes in weight and height, motor skills, etc (Santrock, 2013).

Spiritual Development

Spiritual Development involves a person’s consciousness and beliefs, including the values and virtues that
guide and put meaning into a person’s life (Santos, 2016). Furthermore, human spirituality helps us connect
to the unknowns of the universe in order to search for the meaning of life (Adler, 1980). It also involves a
person’s sense of purpose, connection to others, and understanding of the real implication of life (Camilar-
Serrano, 2016).

Spiritual development is related to concepts such as morality, values, and virtues (Huitt & Robbins, 2001).
Morality is a principle how individuals distinguish what is right from what is wrong (Magalona & Salting-
Sadsad, 2016). According to Kohlberg, moral reasoning is developed through time. It follows that one
moves from pre-conventional reasoning (focuses on rewards and punishments), conventional reasoning
(focused on social relationships), and post conventional reasoning (ideals and moral principles) (Gleitman,
et al., 2011).

On the other hand, a value is the worth we assign to things that we consider important (Magalona & Salting-
Sadsad, 2016). Values are exemplified in an individual’s moral reasoning (Gleitman et al., 2011) and is
shown through our actions (Magalona & Salting-Sadsad, 2016).

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
S.Y. 2020-2021

Filipinos possess different values that should be reviewed as generation passes by. These values widen our
perspective as we grow and progress with society. These are the basic Filipino values according to Magalona
& Salting-Sadsad, 2016:

o Loyalty – defined as the faithfulness to the words and actions, being devoted to relationships, and
conscientious to our duty.
o Sincerity – defined as truthfulness, openness and transparency about one’s thoughts.
o Kindness – the act of benevolence and gentleness when it comes to interactions with other people
o Compassion – being sympathetic and humane about what others are going through.
o Courage – being brave despite of all the difficulties that one experiences.
o Perseverance – being persistent in order to achieve one’s life goals
o Cheerfulness – being positive and light-hearted despite of all adversities
o Optimism – having a sense of gratitude appreciating the blessing one possess.
o Respect – being courteous and reverence for those who are in authority.
o Volunteerism – imitative to extend help for those who are in need
o Integrity – moral uprightness

In addition to the said values above, we have personal values that we use to maximize one’s self (Magalona
& Salting-Sadsad, 2016).

DISCUSSION POINT.
What values do you uphold as an adolescent? In what instances do you show those values?
What do you think is your purpose?
Have you found meaning in your life, in general? Why or why not?

Psychological Development

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
S.Y. 2020-2021

In this photo we woiuld see the different psychological Development we encounter through our whole
life. The moment we were born we are already surviving and making our way up to the very last stage of
psychological development wherein we can already serve someone in the world

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
S.Y. 2020-2021

The Interaction of Thoughts, Feelings and Actions

The story of the two wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all"
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed,
arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The
other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity,
truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed".
o Knowing which wolf to feed is the first step towards recognizing you have control over your own self.
Have you ever had thoughts, feelings or acted in ways that were unacceptable to yourself but felt
powerless to control? The purpose of this post is to help you find ways to manage your mind so that
you can live your life more in accordance with what your own judgment says is best for you.

o As we grow up, we gradually become aware of the many things in the external world which are largely
beyond our ability to control. These include other people in general and most events in our lives. Initially
this is difficult to accept, but a more shocking realization is that there are many things about ourselves
that we seem powerless to control.

o Some of these are our own thoughts, feelings, and actions which unfortunately can be the source of
much distress. It may be thoughts such as “I cannot stop hating my boss for passing me over for a
promotion.” It may involve an emotion e.g. “My girl friend left me and I cannot stop feeling sad, lonely
and unloved.” It can also be in the form of a behavior such as the inability to control one's craving for
food such as sweet deserts or constant snacking. “

Questions to help improve your control over your own mind, feelings, and actions

o Are you aware of two different opposing “wolves” operating within your mind, one of which leads to
pain and a diminished sense o of life and the other to a joyous, meaningful, and fulfilling life?
o Do you recognize that within your mind is a separate entity which is the core you? Other names for this
core self are “ego” or just simply the “self”.
o Have you ever experienced times when you noticed a conflict or fight between parts of yourself so that
you did not know which way to turn?
o Were you ever disappointed by the choice of behavior made by “you” because you knew that there was
a more positive option but you just didn’t choose it?
o In general how effective is your ego in choosing the thoughts feelings and actions which are best for
you?
o What ways or techniques or exercises do you use to strengthen your ego or self so as to increase its
potency to choose and hence control your life?
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
S.Y. 2020-2021

o Having become aware of how you feed the wolves within, can you think of ways to better nurture your
chosen wolf?

EVALUATION: Synchronous Discussion

Answer the mini worksheet through the self-reflective questions. Be ready to share it among your
classmates. In circles, identify your positive and negative wolves and your specific ways on how you feed it.

Positive What are the ways you feed your positive Wolf?
Wolf

What are the ways you feed your negative Wolf?

Negative
Wolf

SYNTHESIS
One’s course of development is multifaceted and complex. It is important for an adolescent to know and
understand how our internal systems work vis a vis with our external world as their development is
interdependent with each other. Our thoughts, actions and feelings are products of these domains that
heavily determines our trajectory in subsequent life stages.

ASSIGNMENT: Written Work 1

Please see guidelines and procedures for Written Work 1.

References
Adler, A. (1980). What life should mean to you. London: George Allen & Unwin.
Camilar-Serrano. (2016). Personal Development. Manila: United Books Library Services & Publishing Inc.
Delena, M. O., Neri, S. T., Palean, E. D., Nuncio, R. V., Carpena, J. A., & Robert James, B. (2017). Personal Development Beyond
Selfies. (E. M. Nuncio, Ed.) Anvil Publishing Inc. .
Gleitman, H., Gross, J., & Reisberg, D. (2011). Psychology. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Magalona, E., & Salting-Sadsad, E. (2016). Personal Development: Theory & Practice. Manila: Mindshapers Co., Inc.
Myers, D. G. (2010). Social Psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Inc.
OpenStax College. (2014). Psychology. Houston, Texas: Rice University.
Sanchez, C. A., Abad, P. F., & Jao, L. V. (2002). General Psychology. Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Santos, R. R. (2016). Personal Development. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Santrock, J. W. (2013). Life-Span Development. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Inc.
Scott, B. (2012, February 21). The story of the two wolves: Managing your thoughts, feelings and actions. Retrieved from
PsychologyMatters.Asia: http://www.psychologymatters.asia/article/65/the-story-of-the-two-wolves-managing-your-thoughts-
feelings-and-actions.html
Shelley, C. (2006). Jan Smuts and Personality Theory: The Problem of Holism in Psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.