Chapter 2

The Physical
Self
Learning Objectives:

a. Identify and reflect on the different forces and institution that impact
the development of the physical self.

b. Explain the impact of culture on body image and self-esteem.

c. Discuss the role of media on the adolescents' understanding of beauty

and self-esteem and its influence on their body image satisfaction.

d. Examine oneself against the different concepts and aspects of the

physical self, And

e. Proposed measures to enhance the adolescents' "body image

satisfaction".
Introduction
"People are concerned with the way others
perceive them, and such concerns serve as a
motivation to manage their behavior in
order to present a favorable and appropriate
image to others. Such self-presentation
includes not only the individual's social
behaviors but also his/her physical body".
Erving Goffman (1971)
1. The Self as Impacted by
the Body
Physical self - Is an important component in the
study of the person's self and
identity.

William James " The self is the sum total of all that man can
call his, which includes his body, family, and reputation, also
his clothes and his house."
1. The Self as Impacted by
the Body

What do we mean by physical

self?

Physical self is the concrete or tangible aspect or

dimension of the person which is primarily
observed and examined through the body.
• William James, a renowned psychologist and a pioneer of
American Sociology, states that the body is the initial source of
sensation and necessary for the origin and maintenance of
personality.

• Erik Erickson also claims that experience is anchored in the

ground-plan of the body.

• This is supported by Sigmund Freud who states that the

physical body is the core of human experience.

• Furthermore, Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1945) placed the body

at the center of human existence, as a way of experiencing the
world
The body - Is the sight for the
articulation of all our identifications
of gender, class, sexuality, race,
ethnicity and religion.
 1970 's to 1980 's

Body Culture
Sociologists, historians, philosophers, and anthropologists including scholars
from sport studies and medical studies spoke about this interest on the body
which was then called "body culture". The sociologists, Ulrich Beck and
Anthony Giddens, agree in saying that the body is the only fix-point of "self-
identity".
2. The Impact of Culture on Body
Image and Self-esteem: The
Importance of Beauty

Do you consider yourself beautiful? What is

your concept of beauty? What is the
society's concept of beauty? Do these
perceptions really matter?
Standards of beauty and appearance are the
product of a diverse mix of cultural and historical
influences. Norms of beauty and appearance are
tied to ideals of appearance and hard work.
• The male ideal remains "muscular wash-board abs, powerful legs,
chiseled features." Needless to say, this pursuit of perfection puts a
huge strain on both genders.

• Females in particular receive a massive amount of societal pressure to

conform to conventional beauty standards. They do whatever they
can to make themselves appear more attractive to others.

• Is beauty bound up with a dynamic, cultural aesthetic honed in the

ways that members of the group/community/society are "nurtured" to
perceive attractiveness from childhood?" (Kenny & Nichols)
What do we exactly mean by body image?

It refers to the person's perception of the level of

attractiveness of his/her body or it can be somebody's
own impression of how his or her body looks. It may
also be our sense of how other people view our bodies.
In that sense, body image can be seen as both internal
(personal) and external (social).
Beauty is of two types:

• Inner beauty - Refers to the inner qualities of the

person and the external beauty which refers to the
physical characteristics of the person.

• External beauty - Focuses on the physical features of

the body commonly defined as "a combination of
qualities, which includes shape, color, or form that
pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight."
 Aesthetic Capital

A concept covers the privileges and wealth

people receive from aesthetic traits.
 2.1 The Role of Culture in our Understanding of "Body
Image" and "Self-esteem"

Culture is commonly defined as the

shared patterns of thoughts, beliefs,
behaviors, and habits in both material
and symbolic realms.
 2.1 The Role of Culture in our Understanding of "Body
Image" and "Self-esteem"

Pop Culture or Popular Culture

Is a culture widely accepted and
patronized by the public.
 2.1 The Role of Culture in our Understanding of "Body
Image" and "Self-esteem"

Self-definition
Refers to the way a person sees
himself.
 2.1 The Role of Culture in our Understanding of "Body
Image" and "Self-esteem"

Self-definition

• Self- esteem
• Confidence
 2.1 The Role of Culture in our Understanding of "Body
Image" and "Self-esteem"

Through culture, society shapes us in many ways. As

mentioned earlier, body image is both internal (personal)
and external (society). These include how we perceive our
bodies visually, how we feel about our physical
appearance, how we think and talk to ourselves about our
bodies, and our sense of how other people view our
bodies.
2.1 A. The influence of Media on the Adolescent's
Understanding of Beauty

Media
Media plays a large role in how teenagers view
themselves by shaping images of what teenagers
are supposed to be or do. Genesis M. Javellana
(2014)
2.1 B. Impact of Media on the Self-esteem of the
Adolescent

Evidence is accumulating that repeated exposure

to media and to both direct and indirect (via
media's effects on peers, parents, coaches,
physicians, etc.)
2.1 B. Impact of Media on the Self-esteem of the
Adolescent

Media Effects
A figural summary of media effects that integrates
moderating and mediating factors such as
internalization of the thin beauty ideal, social
comparison, and activation of the thinness schema is
presented below" (Gemma López-Guimerà, et al.,
2009).
2.1 B. Impact of Media on the Self-esteem of the
Adolescent

Exposure to thin-ideal media images may contribute to

the development of eating disorders by causing body
dissatisfaction, negative moods, low self-esteem, and
eating disorders symptoms among women (Hawkins, et.
al., 2010).

Miller also speaks of the disturbing problem of very

young girls dieting and having negative thoughts about
their body.
2.2 Self-esteem and Its
Significance
Self-esteem is sometimes referred to as self-worth or self-
respect, is an important part of success. Too little self-
esteem can leave people feeling defeated or depressed. It
can also lead people to make bad choices, fall into
destructive relationships, or fail to live up to their full
potential.
2.2 Self-esteem and Its
Significance
However, Too much self-esteem, as exhibited in
narcissistic personality disorder, can certainly be
irritating to others and can even damage personal
relationships.
(Kendra Cherry)
2.2. a. The Concept of Self-
esteem

In Psychology, the term self-esteem is used to describe

a person's overall sense of self-worth or personal
value. In other words, it is how much you appreciate
and like yourself.

Self-esteem can involve a variety of beliefs about

yourself, such as the appraisal of your own
appearance, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors.
Why is self-esteem important?

Self-esteem can play a significant role in one's

motivation and success throughout life. By contrast,
having a healthy self-esteem can help you achieve
because you navigate life with a positive, assertive
attitude and believe you can accomplish your goals.
Why is self-esteem important?

Maslow suggested that people need both esteem from

other people as well as inner self-respect. Both of these
needs must be fulfilled in order for an individual to
grow as a person and achieve self-actualization.

Self-esteem is one of the basic human motivations.

2.2. b. Developing Self-esteem
To overcome such adverse effects on the issues of self-esteem, here are our best
insights on how to strike a balance between accurate self-knowledge and respect for
who you are. You need to develop a positive body image which involves:

a. Understanding that healthy, attractive bodies come in many shapes and sizes;
person;

b. Physical appearance says very little about our character or value as a how we get
to this point of acceptance often depends on our individual

c. Development and self-acceptance.

2.2. b. Developing Self-esteem
To get to that all important point of balance, there are a few steps we can take:

a. Talk back to the media and speak our dissatisfaction with the focus on appearance;

b. De-emphasize numbers as pounds, kilograms or inches, feet and meters on the scale;
they don't tell us anything meaningful about the body as a whole or our health;

c. Stop comparing ourselves with others and remember that each one is unique;

d. We need to appreciate and enjoy our bodies in the uniqueness of what we have;
2.2. b. Developing Self-esteem

e. Spend time with people who have a healthy relationship with food, activity, and their
bodies;

f. Question the degree to which self-esteem depends on our appearance, basing our
happiness on how we look is likely to lead us to failure and frustration, and may
therefore prevent us from finding true happiness;

g. Broaden our perspective about health and beauty by reading about body image
cultural variances, or media influence and check out a local art gallery paying.
particular attention to fine art collections that show a variety of body types throughout
the ages and in different cultures;
2.2. b. Developing Self-esteem

h. Recognize that size prejudice is a form of discrimination, as shape and size are not
indicators of character, morality, intelligence, or success;

i. Approach health and well-being from a firm and socially engaging perspective and
put importance on a healthy lifestyle and;

j. Keep in mind that the body, in whatever shape or size, is good and sacred, having
been created in the image and likeness of god. Such body deserves love and respect.
2.2. b. Developing Self-esteem

We will have a positive body image when we have a realistic

perception of our bodies, when we enjoy, accept and celebrate
who or what and how we are, and let go of negative societal or
media perpetuated conditioning.
Thank you!
Do you have any follow-up questions for me?