THE PHYSICAL SELF

Module 7
 Learning Competencies:

1. Identify the stages of life and explain the physical changes that
occur during 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; and
5. Develop a positive body image.
 Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to
continue others. Because one is content with oneself, one
doesn’t need other’ approval. Because one accepts oneself,
the whole world accepts him or her. Lao Tzu

 A person’s self-concept is his understanding of who he is

and what makes him unique. This includes the many
selves – the physical self, the social self, the competent
self, and the inner or psychological self among others.
 THE PHYSICAL SELF

 The physical self refers to the body. It is a marvelous

container, a complex and finely tuned machine with which
one interfaces with his environment and fellow beings. It
is the concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of the
person that can be directly observed and examined.
Freud’s construction of self makes the physical body the
core of human experience.
 THE PHYSICAL SELF
 Growth and development are an ongoing process that begins
at conception and continues through the rest of man’s life.
There are a lot of physical and psychological changes that
are part of man’s maturation and life. Growth is a physical
change. Development is psychological and social changes in
an individual such as behavioral and thinking patterns. The
rate of growth and development varies dependent on many
factors such age, and genetic disposition.
 THE PHYSICAL SELF
 Physical development is the physical growth from birth to
adulthood and the development of both gross and fine motor
skills. It means the progress of a child’s control over his
body. It means the progress of a child’s control over his
body. This includes control over muscles, physical condition.
 MODIFIED STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
Prenatal or pre-birth From conception to birth
Infancy From birth to 3 years
Childhood 4 to 12 years
A. Pre-childhood 4 to 6 years
B. Early Childhood 7 to 9 years
C. Late Childhood 10 to 12 years
Adolescence From the onset of puberty to the age of
maturity – 13 to 19 yrs.
Adulthood From 20 to 55 years
Old Age End of productivity to death
 Growth and development for every person varies. However,
the discussion that follow are general and universal for every stage of
development.

 In infancy, toddlerhood and early childhood, the body’s

physical development is rapid. During this stage, growth does not
occur at a steady rate. Motor development occurs in an orderly
sequence as infants move from reflexive reactions to more advanced
motor functioning. Motor skills refer to the ability to move the body
and manipulate objects.
 Psychological development occurs as children form relationships,
interact with others, and understand and manage their feelings. In
social and emotional development, learning healthy attachments is
very important.

 The physical development of children from ages 4 to 12 is

slower and more stable than during infancy. Some important
influences on their physical development include changes on the
child’s brain, gross and fine motor skills, and health.
 Adolescence is seen as a time to develop independence from
parents while remaining still connected to them. Adolescence refers
to the age period between childhood and adulthood. This stage of
development has some predictable physical milestone. During
puberty, several physical changes occur, such as the maturing of
the adrenal glands (adrenarche) and sex glands (gonadarche).
The development of breasts and hips in girls and appearance of
facial hair, armpits, hair, and a deepened voice in boys also happen.
Girls experience menarche, the beginning of menstrual period
usually at 12 to 13 years old. Boys experience spermarche, the first
ejaculation around 13 to 14 years old
 FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE GROWTH
AND DEVELOMENT
 HEREDITY = and genes certainly play an important role
in the transmission of physical and social characteristics
from parents to off-spring.

 NUTRITION = Growth is directly related to nutrition. The

human body requires an adequate supply of calories for its
normal growth and this need of requirements varies with
the phase of development.
 FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE GROWTH
AND DEVELOMENT
 ENVIRONMENT = Fresh air, sunlight, and hygienic
surroundings help in the proper development of the body.
Pollution is part of the environment.

 SOCIOECONOMIC = It influences on human growth is

also a well-known factor. Children from different
socioeconomic levels vary in average body size at all ages.
 FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE GROWTH
AND DEVELOMENT
 HEALTH HABITS = Keeping clean through daily bath, washing
of hands as often as needed, brushing the teeth, cleaning nose and
ears are commendable health habits.

 CULTURAL = Physical growth and development of human beings

is definitely affected by cultural factors. Culture differs from one
ethnic group to another.

 LOVE = Is a very vital factor influencing a person’s all-around

development without which he develops into a person with criminal
tendencies.
 THEORIES OF PHYSICAL SELF
 PHYSIOGNOMY – It is a practice of assessing a person’s character
personality from his outer appearance especially the face. It can also refer
to the general appearance of a person, object, or terrain.

 MORPHOPSYCHOLOGY – It was developed by Louis Corman (1901-

1905). He argued that the workings of vital forces within the human body
resulted in different facial shapes and body forms. For example, full and
round body shapes are considered the expression of the instinct of
expansion while the hollow or flat shapes are an expression of self-
preservation.
 THREE BODY TYPES
1. Endomorphs – are rounded and soft, said to have a
tendency toward a “viscerotonic” personality – one who is
relaxed, comfortable and extroverted.
2. Mesomorphs – are square and muscular, said to have a
tendency toward “somotonic” personality – active, dynamic,
assertive, and aggressive.
3. Ectomorphs – are thin and fine-boned, said to have a
tendency toward “cerebrotonic” personality – introvert,
thoughtful inhibited, and sensitive.
 Body Humors (Fluids). The Greek physician, Hippocrates, advanced
the theory based on four body fluids that affect human personality traits
and behavior. These are the red bile, yellow bile, black bile, and
phlegm.

 The Sanguine (red bile) personality type is described as being

enthusiastic, active, and social. Sanguines tend to be extroverted and
enjoy being part of the crowd.

 The Choleric (yellow bile) is independent, decisive, and goal-

oriented. They enjoy being in-charge of a group since they have many
leadership qualities as well as ambition.
 Melancholic (black bile) persons tend to be analytical, detail-
oriented, deep thinkers and feelers. They are introverted, and try to
avoid being singled-out in a crowd.

 Phlegmatic (phlegm) individuals tend to be relaxed,

peaceful, quiet, and easy-going. They are sympathetic and care for
others, yet they try to hide their emotions.
 BODY IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM
1. ACCEPT YOUR BODY
a. Nobody is perfect
b. Don’t body-shame yourself
c. Build a better habit
2. LIKE YOUR BODY
a. Find things to like about your looks
b. Focus on what your body can DO
c. Be aware of your body
3. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
a. Eat healthy foods
b. Get good sleep
c. Keep to a healthy weight.