Unpacking the
Self:
ThePhysical Self
The Concept of the Physical
Self
Physical Self refers tothe
body, this marvelous
container and complex,
finely tuned, machine with
which we interface with our
environment and fellow
beings.
The Physical Self is the
concrete dimension, the
tangible aspect of the
person that can be
directly observed and
examined.
The Concept of the Physical Self
However, this aspect of
William James considered body
our self seems to have
as the initial source of sensation
been left behind. But still,
and necessary for the origin and
some theories
maintenance of personality.
emphasize
the importance of
For Erik Erikson, the role of bodily organs is
the physical self.
especially important in early developmental
stages of a person’s life.
The Indian tradition views growth and enlightenment
as the whole body event, which is not possible until one
has a pure and strong body.
The Concept of the Physical
Self
As a biological entity, the body
has a functional role, but as a
social entityit is the most visible
way of expressing and
presenting someone's identity.
Itconveys importantmessages
about social status andsubculture
membership; in turn, it receives
messages from the outside
The Concept of the Physical Self
Research found that a
person whois perceivedas
attractive makes more
moneythan a person of
below-average looks.
In politics, voters who are
not actively engaged in
social and political issues
choose candidates based on
“looks” 90%of thetime.
May be attributed to a cognitive
bias called the “haloeffect”.
A cognitive bias is an error
in reasoning, evaluating,
remembering, or any other
mental process that is often
a result of holding on to
one’s preferences and
beliefs regardless of
contrary information.
The “haloeffect”refers to
the tendency of people to rate
attractive individuals more
favourable for their personality
traits or characteristics as
compared to those who are less
attractive.
In search ofbeauty…
Standards of Beauty?
Symmetry
defined not with
proportions, but rather
with similarity
between the left and
right sides of the face
Model Gigi Hadid
Standards ofBeauty?
Biologists had also
hypothesized that we
prefer faces that
epitomize the ‘manliness’
or
‘femininity’ of their gender
It was only in the
most urbanized regions that
they found the strong
attraction to more
masculine men and more
feminine women; in the
smaller, more remote
communities, many women
actually preferred the more
“feminine” looking men.
Beauty andselfexpressions across
cultures
Since birth, the
socialized body is
subjected to cultural
norms. The attitude
towards the body and
the
bodily practices
reflect the
value constellation
of each particular
society.
Karo tribes in
OmoValley,
Ethiopia
Neck rings
Foot
bindingin
China
Scarification
BodyModification
Beauty throughTime…
IsPhysical BeautyImportant?
Bodyimageis how you
view your physical
body, whether you feel
you are
attractive, and how you
feel some other people
like your looks.
For many people
(especially teenagers)
body image is closely
linked to self-esteem.
If you have a positive
body image, you
probably like and accept
yourself the way you
are, even if you do not fit
the popular
notion of “beautiful”
or “handsome”.
For many as their body changes, so
does their image of themselves. So it
is very important to re-frame the way
we view, think and talk about our
physical selves.
Recognize that your bodyis your own,no
matter what shape or size itcomes in.
Try to focus on how strong and healthy your body
is and the things it can do, not what’s wrong with
it or what you feel you want to change about it.
No one’s business but your own what your body
is like- ultimately, you have to be happy with
yourself
Identifywhichaspects ofyour
appearance youcan realistically
changeandwhichyoucan’t.
Humans by definition are imperfect. It’s
what makes each of us unique and
original. Everyone has things they can’t
change for instance their height, and
shoe size.
Remind yourself that “ real people
aren’t perfect and perfect people aren’t
real.
If there are things about
yourself that youwant
tochangeandcan, do
this bymakinggoals for
yourself.
For example if you want to
lose get fit, make a plan to
exercise every day and eat
healthy. Meeting a
challenge you set yourself
is a great way to boost
self- esteem
Whenyouhear negative
comments comingfrom
within, tell yourself tostop.
Appreciate that each person is
more than just how he or she
looks on a given day. We are
complex and constantly
changing. Try to focus on what’s
unique and interesting about
yourself.
Trybuildingyour selfesteembygiving
yourself three
compliments every day.
By focusing on the good
things you do and the
positive aspects of your
life, you can change how
you feel about yourself.