PSY 4 REVIEWER (MIDTERM)
into the surface of our body, we invest that object
The Aspects of Material/Economic Self
Material self is a dimension of the self that relates
to physical materials. We are made aware of them
by what we see in commercials on television, what
we hear over the radio and what we read in the print
and social media, like newspapers and magazines,
social platforms like Twitter, Facebook page,
YouTube and Private Messages.
Material self refers to our body, as well as the
tangible objects, places, things that we describe as
"My" or "Mine." It has two sub-classes: the body
self, referring to our body and all its parts and the
extra-corporeal self, beyond the body, which,
according to Rosenberg (1979), is our extended
self. It includes all the people, places, things that
we regard as OURS. It can also refer to our
possessions. All components of objects we possess
are our own instinctive preferences coupled with
the most important interests in life.
William James said that the Material self basically
refers to our body, clothes, immediate family and
home. Of these four components, let us consider
first our body, the most essential part of Material
self. Self and body are intimately attached. As we
discussed in Lesson 1, our body is of prime
importance to us. We value it the most. We keep it
healthy and in good condition because if our body
is not well, our other selves will suffer. For
example, if our body is sick, our total well-being
will be affected: we cannot go to work and fail to
attend to our responsibilities, our attitude toward
others may be affected and we cannot appreciate
the world around us. But if our body is healthy,
relationships can be much better.
Some of us have some special attachment, some
closeness, to some of our body parts. Like, we pay
more attention to our eyes, nose, body shape and
contours. In our study of the physical self, we saw
how much money and effort some people invest
just to take care of certain body parts.
Now let us look at clothing, which, according to
James, is the second most essential part of the
Material self. James idea was complemented by
Herman Lotze, in his book, Microcosmus.
Lotze commented that anytime we bring an object
into the consciousness of our personal existence
taking in its contours to be our own and making it
a part of the self. This is true. When you wear a new
dress that fits you to a tee, you feel that you and
your dress become one!
Clothes are very important to us. They protect our
body from extreme temperature. They enhance our
physical appearance. This is the reason why we are
careful in choosing the style, color and the quality
of the material used. We want to look at our best
with whatever we use.
Our choice of clothing is one of the best ways to
distinguish our social class, as well as our culture,
our profession or occupation. and our sex
preference. In fact, the first impression of people
about us is based on the clothes we wear, the brand,
the color and our accessories, like, our bags and
shoes and other things we consider our own. It is a
reflection of our personality, our character and
even our attitude.
Equally important as our clothing is our choice of
style and material of the clothes we wear. A style
that suits our person and the material of the fabric
that suggests good taste, may cause us certain
sensations that can affect our attitudes and
behaviors. We exude a pleasing personality,
confident and beautiful, because we are wearing
the latest style in Fashion, made out of quality
material, done by our favorite couturier, the fit of
which perfectly flows with the contour of our body.
All these contribute to the feeling of assurance and
self-confidence.
The third essential part of Material self is our
family, the source of our life, the single, most
important influence on a child's life. At the first
moment of life, the child depends on the parents to
protect and provide for his/her needs. The parents
are present to serve as role model on how to ct and
experience the world around him/her. A child
grows up according to what he/she sees and lives in
the family. The kind of world he/she lives with
his/her family could set his/her sail towards life.
His/her moral sense of value and personality are
shaped in the family. Based from our own
experience, the world in which we live shows us
how truly our family influences us. Thus, as
popularized by one TV jingle, family is forever.
The family signifies love and hope; it gives the
members a sense of purpose and goal. As
communicated within the family, every member
strives to live a life in accord with what the family
aspires to achieve. With the family, we share and
celebrate our successes; it is, likewise, with the
family that we seek support and comfort if we fall
short of what the members expect of us, Our family
is the replica of our self.
We value our dignity and integrity and respect our
name because it symbolizes us. We respect family
principles, roles and values. It is in our family that
we first learn, and experience respect for authority,
as we look up to the father as head, the mother as
support, the children as followers or members. In
our family we learn the values of working together,
respecting the rights of members, cooperating with
one another and living in solidarity with the others.
These we bring with us to the wider community.
In the family, we live out family tradition, the ways
of the family in the past, lived out to the present.
For instance, we hear of family of doctors, of
politicians, engineers, or teachers. As the parents
were, so are the children. This is true in many
families. This might even be true in your own
family.
Setting aside family time is necessary to keep the
bond and love for each other alive. Members may
spend time together through different activities,
like worshipping God together on Sundays and
other occasions, spending weekends together by
the beach, traveling and vacationing together, or by
simply cleaning the house or the car, together.
These allow members of the family to play, laugh
and eat together and other similarities activities.
Being present for and with one another enhances
unity and closer relationship besides living out the
family values.
Maintaining family ties is as important as. family
time. The essence of being family has to be
sustained by connecting with family members and
relatives. Special occasions like Christmas Day,
New Year, Easter Sunday may be good reasons for
family reunions, when members, young and old,
come together to renew relationships and meet new
members of the family.
The fourth essential part of Material self is the
home. Our home is our source of life; it is where
our heart is. It is our sanctuary where we can relax,
rest and enjoy life with friends and family. It is in
our home where we could be our real selves. It is
our safest refuge. It is a symbol of our security.
Some families put premium in the structure, style,
size and the over-all make-up of their house
because they reflect the economic and social status
of the family. While this is important, it is not
always a guarantee that it is a home based on the
value of a happy home where everyone wants to
experience acceptance and whose rights are
respected. Neil Young, in his song, Home, Home,
on the Range, expresses it eloquently: Oh, give me
a home, where the buffalos roam, where the deer
and the antelope play; where seldom is heard a
discouraging word and the sky is not cloudy all day.
Our home can say a lot about us. It is a witness to
our becoming who and what we are.' It is where we
learned our first footsteps, uttered our first words,
learned how to make choices and decisions,
whether to love or hate; it is also where we first
experienced success or failure.
Our home is an extension of our self. It is where we
develop our sense of what is right and wrong and
form our personality and self-identity. It is in our
home where we can easily connect to our self.
On Material Possessions
We live in a fast-paced society where shopping
malls abound. and sales are held the whole year
round, offering all sorts of items at much
discounted prices. Add to this is online shopping
where one could get anything he or she wants under
the sun, without leaving the comfort of home.
Different goods and services are made known to
consumers through advertisements on TV and
radio commercials, the social and print media, like,
magazines and newspapers, facebook and others.
Sad to note, but people are just willing to submit
themselves to these allurements. And they become
materialistic. Commercialism and consumerism
have successfully created in us the desire to acquire
more, to update and upgrade our gadgets and buy
more, to keep up with the trends.
We are what we buy and what we have. So, what
should we consider if we want to buy something or
upgrade anything we already have? Our decision
will depend on some factors. For example, we need
to confront ourselves with this reality: Can we
afford? If we can afford, is it necessary to buy it, Our Attachment to our Possessions
upgrade it, or we just simply want it?
Why are some people attached to their possessions?
To decide objectively, we should clearly Have you noticed how a child is in rage when
differentiate what we NEED from what we WANT. deprived of the things they own? Piaget found out
Needs are those that are basic to our survival, like, that it is part of human nature to develop a sense of
food, clothing and shelter. We buy them regularly ownership and attachment to things one. values.
because they are necessary for our daily This is called endowment fact. For example, we
subsistence Wants, on the other hand, are those that value the award or any reward, in recognition of
do not warrant necessity. Meaning, we can do something we have done. So we would want to
without them keep it. As a child, we keep the things that we
received from a significant other, as something
In the process of acquiring material possessions,
special and memorable. We are also attached to
smart consumers consider their capacity to buy and
family heirloom because of its sense of history and
their economic self-sufficiency. Some people
connectedness with someone dear to us in the past.
would satisfy first their need in daily life; they
Added to these, we keep memorabilia that we
curtail their wants knowing their ability to
received from significant people whom we value,
consistently meet their needs. But there are others
admire and idolize in our life
who choose more luxurious materials, buy high-
end brands because they are. aware of their Conclusion
economic identity and economic status. They are
The foregoing discussion is in accord with what
rich and sustainable. So their choices project class,
Russel
elegance and affluence, reflecting their social
status. But whether a person is meeting his needs, Belk (1988) posited: that we regard our possessions
or satisfying his wants, his material possessions as part of ourselves. Truly, we are what we possess.
and choices reflect his personality, aspiration and They reveal who. we are. They reflect our culture
self-identity. and beliefs, economic identity and economic status.
Through them, we are viewed either as belonging
Roland Barthes (1915-1980), a French Critical
to the rich or to the poor stratum of society. We can
theorist, was the first to observe the relationship
also claim that our possessions are our personal
that people have with objects. According to him, a
choices and preferences and that they convey to
sign has two elements, the signifier, referring to its
people our taste, our style.
physical form and the signified, referring to one's
mental concept about the object and its effect on They define who we truly are. We can safely state,
him. So we can say that a person buys the object to a certain extent, that our material and economic
because he believes it is a reflection of Who and self is an expression of our personality and a
what his is. Likewise, he introduced semiology, a revelation of our social identity.
study of objects as signs. According to him,
objects, as signs or things, could be decoded to
convey a message beyond the object itself and
about the person using it. Objects are not just
things; they are also a reflection of the lives of
communities and individuals. One buys the product
because other people in his community or
organization are buying it to show he belongs. This
points to the realization that the buying or
purchasing behavior of a person can also be
influenced by what the community or the
organization values. It enhances and sustains
community or organizational relationship and
behavior.
SEXUAL SELF
Sex
- is a part of what makes a person human. Being
human the prime function is procreation.
- goes far beyond the instinct to procreate.
- is likewise about pleasure, enjoyment, excitement
and even ecstasy.
- Added to this earthly delight of the flesh-this is
the thrill of physical touching and being touch by
another warm body, the surging excitement toward
sexual release, the ultimate coming out during the
sexual climax, and the pulsating, peaceful
afterglow of the relaxing feeling after orgasm.
- is one way of lowering one’s alienation, isolation,
and aloneness by physically linking with
penetrating and being penetrated with another
person at the most primitive level of existence.
- gives joy, love, comfort, affection and at times
ecstasy.
- Human sexuality- serves both psychologically
and spiritually.
Psychological side effects of sex • Falling in love •
obsession • abandonment • rejection • psychosis •
loss of self • fear of annihilation • manic madness
of ecstasy
Sexual self
- forms part of the building of self-concept,
attachment, intimacy and sexual satisfaction played
essential roles in the formation of self.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIMARY AND
SECONDARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS
Primary Sex Characteristics
- are those characteristics other than the gonads that
are directly required for reproduction.
• Male primary somatic sexual characteristics
are the penis and the scrotum, all of which allow a
male to make and deliver sperm.
• Female primary sexual characteristics are the
vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, clitoris, cervix, and
the ability to bear children.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Girls usually begin to show physical changes at
puberty between the ages 9 to 13 which is a little
earlier than boys. The female sex hormones and
estrogen and other hormones causes the physical
changes. Many girls are fully developed at age 16
while other continue to develop through age 18.
The following are stages that female undergoes.
Stage 1: From ages 8-12.
- Noticeable sign of physical development although
the ovaries are enlarging and the hormone
production is starting
Stage 2: May begin anywhere from ages 8-14.
- Height and weight increase rapidly.
- Fine hair growth begins close to the pubic areas
and underarm
- Breast buds appear, and nipple become raised and
tender.
- Sweat and oil glands (sebaceous and apocrine)
become active which may result to acne.
Stage 3: May start anywhere from ages 9-15.
- Breasts may become rounder and fuller.
- Hips may start to widen in relation to breast.
- Vagina begins secreting a clear and whitish fluid.
- Pubic hair becomes fuller, thicker, and curlier.
- Height and weight continue to increase
- For some girls ovulation and menstruation may
begin but may be irregular.
Stage 4: May begin anywhere from ages 10-16
- Underarm hair becomes darker.
- Pubic hair starts to form a triangular patch in front
and side of the genital area.
- The nipple and the dark area around the breast
called areola may stick out from the rest of the
breast.
- For some girls, ovulation and menstruation period
begins but may be irregular.
Stage 5: May start anywhere from ages 12-19.
- Adult height is already reached.
- Breast development is complete
- Pubic hair forms a thick, curly triangular patch.
- Ovulation and menstrual period occurs regularly.
- Overall look is that of a young adult woman.
Boys usually begin to show the physical
changes at puberty between the ages of 11 to 14,
which is slightly later than the girls. The male
hormone testosterone and other hormones caused
the changes.
The following are the changes that happen.
Stage 1: between Ages 8 - 12
• No visible sign or physical development, but
hormone production 18 starting
Stage 2: May begin anywhere from ages 11-13
- Height and weight increase rapidly.
- Testicles become larger and scrotum hangs lower.
- Scrotum becomes darker in color.
- Fine hair growth starts at the base of the penis.
- Hair growth may begin on the legs and underarms.
Stage 3: May start anywhere from ages 12-14
- The penis, scrotum and testicle grow.
- Pubic hair becomes darker, thicker and curlier.
- Muscles become larger and shoulder becomes
broader.
- Sweat and oil glands (sebaceous and apocrine)
become more active which may resut in acne.
- Sperm production may begin.
- Temporary swelling and tenderness may occur
around the nipples.
- Height and weight continue to increase.
- Hair growth on the legs and underarms continue.
Stage 4: May begin anywhere from ages 13-16
- Sperm production has begun.
-The larynx or Adam’s apple increases in size.
- Vocal chords become longer and thicker, and the
voice begins to crack or break, then becomes low.
- Height and weight continue to increase.
- Penis and testicles continue to grow.
- Pubic hair increases in amount and becomes
darker, coarser, and curlier.
Stage 5: May begin anywhere from ages 14-18.
- Growth of facial hair begins.
- Chest hair growth begins (not all males get much
chest hair)
- Adult height is reached
- Penis and testicles have reached adult size.
- Pubic, underarm, and leg hair are adult color,
texture, and distribution.
- Overall look is that of a young adult man
(Rathus,2014)
HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Sexual Maturation
When the secondary sex characteristics appear
sexual maturation begins. It is the pituitary gland
that is the key player involved. The Pituitary gland
secrets growth hormones and signal the adrenal
gland to release androgens, a male sex hormone to
create biochemical changes that produce body hair
enlargement of the breast and widening of pelvis
for girls and for the boys there is the deepening of
voice, widening of shoulder, appearance of body
hair and also increase sex drive.
Androgens do not just produce secondary sex
characteristics but because it is constant, males are
capable of sexual activities without regard to
biological cycles. When female reaches puberty,
the two ovaries start to produce two hormones,
estrogen and progesterone. But these two hormones
are not produced consistently, like the males
because they follow cyclical patterns. The most
output occurs during ovulation when a ripe ovum
is released from the ovary to the fallopian tube
which has a chance of fertilization by the sperm.
Reproduction
The spermatozoa (sperms) and the ova contain 23
chromosomes each. Chromosomes are threadlike
structures that contain genes. Genes are hereditary
materials (the fundamental unit of heredity). Each
genes consists of a single molecule of
deoxyribonucleic acid - DNA which is the
biochemical basis of heredity or code of heredity.
The female has 23 pairs of X chromosomes. A male
has 23 chromosomes, but the first 22 pairs of X
chromosomes are called autosomes and the
unpaired is called sex or Y chromosome.
During fertilization when the Y chromosome of the
male penetrates the X chromosome of the female
the combination is an XY hence the produced
offspring is a boy. When the X chromosome or
autosomes from the male penetrates the X
chromosome of the female, the combination is an
XX meaning the resulting offspring is a girl. Genes
regulate the development of all human
characteristics and abilities. The complete set of
genes that make up a person's heredity is the
person's genotype. Genetic instruction with
environmental, influence produces a genotype,
which is an individual's physical behavior and
psychological features. (Kail,2012).
Erogenous Zones
Erogenous zones are the areas of the body that are
particularly responsive to tactile pleasure parts. It
can be primary or secondary. Primary erogenous
zones pertain to areas that contain thick
concentration of nerve ending. Here is a list of
primary erogenous zones--genitals, buttocks, anus,
nipples, inner, surface of the thighs, armpits, navel,
neck, ears, lips, tongue and entire oral cavities.
Secondary erogenous zones include all other
regions of the body. For instance, if one's lover
tenderly kissed and stroked the upper back of his
partner during sexual interplay that area can be
transformed to an erogenous zone because they are
touched in a context of sexual intimacies. (Crooks
& Baur, 2014)
Human Sexual Behavior (Solitary and
Sociosexual Including heterosexuality,
premarital sex, marital sex extramarital sex)
Masturbation or Solitary Sex
Masturbation is sexual self-satisfaction. Men and
women typically start to masturbate for the first
time at different ages ranging from 5 - 21 years with
the highest peak at 9-13 years for males and 12-16
years for females (Feldman, 2014). Male
masturbation is common in the early teens and then
slow down, whereas female, begin to masturbate
early with maximum frequency later. Masturbation
or solitary sex is more often engaged in only by
those who do not have sexual outlet, an idea that
has no
relation to reality. It was reported that married men
age 20-40 usually masturbated 24 times a year
whereas married women of the same age had it 10
times a year. (Peldman, 2016).
Heterosexually
Some people believe that the first time they
experience sexual act they have already reached
significance in their lives. Heterosexuality, an
attraction and behavior toward the other sex is far
more than male and female sexual act. Kissing.
petting caressing, necking and massaging, and
other forms of sex play are parts of heterosexual
behavior.
Premarital Sex
Before, premarital sex particularly for women was
a major taboo, generally in the Filipino values.
Traditional women were prohibited by society that
the "nice girls" never do it. Men were more or less
allowed to engage in premarital sex but they were
advised to marry "virgins". The idea that premarital
sex is allowed for the males but not permitted for
the females is termed double standard. However, to
the younger generations the double standard had
been replaced by "permissiveness with affection".
As quoted by Feldman (2014) premarital sex is
permissible to both males and females who have
long-termed commitment or loving relationship.
Marital Sex
Sex in marriage is the most standard and acceptable
sexual behavior, and generally the gauge of
wedded bliss. However, there are many various
dimensions of how to measure the marital
happiness; to some frequency of sexual act are the
common standards. As to how often sexual act be
done, depends on particular couples. There are
those who do it regularly, others have it few times
a month, some have it 2-3 times a week. However,
with increasing age and length of marriage the
frequency of sexual act decreases.
Extramarital Sex
There are some researches that reveal about
extramarital sex. Extramarital sex is a practice
between a married person and someone who is not
his/her spouse. This was said to be widely practiced
although not exactly the reality because generally
there is still a high percentage of married couples
who are faithful to their spouses and there is a high
degree of disapproval to Us extramarital sex.
Homosexuality (LGBTQ)
Homosexuals are individuals who are sexually
attracted to members of their own sex whereas
bisexuals are those who are sexually attracted to the
same sex and other sex. Generally, male
homosexuals are called gays and female
homosexuals are called lesbians, because this refers
to a wider array or attitudes and lifestyles that
focused on sexual activities.
The determinant of sexual orientation is proven
difficult to pinpoint. There are some theories that
explain what make people homosexuals or
heterosexuals: homosexuality or heterosexuality is
biological in nature. Another is hormone that may
snow a role in determining sexual orientation. If is
said that pregnant women who took a drug DES or
DITEHYLTILBESTROL to prevent miscarriage.
Transsexuals are people who believe that they were
born with a boy of another gender. In some ways
transsexuals are less of a sexual difficulty than a
gender issue concerning sexual identity.
Transsexual like one popular international female
singer and one handsome matinee idol had
undergone sex change. Transsexual sex change
operation has to undergo several steps.
Transsexualism is a part of a wider category known
as transgenderism. This term pertains not only
transsexual but also to people who see themselves
as the third gender. Transvestites those who wear
clothes of the other genders or some of them
believe that traditional male-female classification
who wrongly characterized themselves.
Asexuality this is another type of sexual orientation
where an asexual lacks attraction to both men and
women. Unlike celibate one who does not have
sexual life) an asexual has little or no attraction to
either men or women but can experience sexual
desire. (Croon.2015) Androgyny this literally
means a man-woman which refer to having both
masculine and feminine traits, (Croon, 2013).
Extradyadic sex is having sex with someone other
than one's regular relationship partner, like spouse,
boyfriend/girlfriend.
WHAT TURN PEOPLE ON
If one wants to argue that the major sex organ is the
brain, in a sense one would be right. The major
factor to consider sexually arousing in one's society
has actually nothing to do with the genitals, instead
sexual arousal is related to external stimuli that due
to the process of learning it comes to be labeled as
erotic or sexually stimulating. in reality there are no
areas in the body that instantly produce sexual
arousal when touched. It IS actually the erogenous
zones, the areas of the body that are sensitive to
sexual touch due to the presence of rich arrays of
nerve receptors that are practically sensitive to any
kinds of touch. Usually, people learn to respond
sexually to any stimulus. There is a common
denominator as to what is an erotic stimulus. Men
and women's fantasies differ a little from one
another in terms of quantity. Being irresistible
sexually is engaging in oral sex which is common
to both men and women but their fantasies do not
include desire for fulfillment.
PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUAL
RESPONSE (PHASES)
Sexual responses follow a regular pattern of tour
phases:
• Excitement Phase • Plateau Phase
• Orgasm • Resolution Phase
Excitement Phase
- This phase can last for a few minutes to an hour.
There is an exciting stimulus that starts a sequence
that prepares the genital for sexual activity For the
male' the penis gets erected when blood flows into
it while in the female the clitoris swells due to an
increase of blood sup in this area and the vagina Premature Ejaculation
becomes lubricated. The female may experience
- The male is not able to hold his orgasm longer
"sex flush": a red rush that spreads over the chest
than he wishes, because his wish to delay the
and throat.
orgasm depends on his partner's attitude and
Plateau Phase opinion on how long should the orgasm be. This
problem is difficult to diagnose. This is a type often
- This is the body's preparation for orgasm. At this
a psychological problem because there is no
phase the maximum level of sexual arousal is
physical cause. One cause perhaps is early learning
attained as the penis and clitoris swell with blood.
about sex in adolescence. Sexual experience in
women breasts and vagina expand the heartbeat
adolescence is accompanied by fear of being
and the blood pressure rise and the breathing
caught so some young men learned to reach orgasm
increases. There is a greater muscle tension as the
as quickly as possible.
body prepares it for orgasm.
Inhibited Ejaculation
Orgasm
- In this problem, the man is not able to ejaculate
- This is the peak of sexual excitement and the
when he wants to. Sometimes this can be corrected
pleasurable experience due to muscular contraction
by general relaxation to allow men to overcome the
occurring in the vagina. For the male, the
problem. For women, there is anorgasmia meaning
contraction are penis expels the semen, a process
lack of orgasm.
called ejaculation of fluid that contains sperms. At
this stage pom male and female’s breathing and TWO TYPES OF INHIBITED
near rates are at its maximum. EJACULATION:
Resolution Phase 1. Primary Organismic Dysfunction - woman
never experience orgasm
- This is the last stage of sexual arousal. Here the
body returns to the resting phase where there is a 2. Secondary Organismic Dysfunction - woman
reversal brought about by arousal. The genitals had experience orgasm at some instant but no
return to their normal unaroused size and snape, the longer does now or orgasm may be possible only at
blood pressure, heart rate and breathing are back to certain situation such as masturbation but not
normal. During resolution stage, the men and during sexual ac.
women responses differ considerably. Women are
Inhibited Sexual Desire
able to cycle back orgasm phase and experience
repeated orgasm after it has come to the final - This happens when sexual act has no motivation
resolution stage then returns to the pre-stimulation or is restricted. When people with sexual inhibition
state. have m, sexual feeling would be turned off sexually
that they must have some kind of sexual amnesia.
Sexual Problems
Eventually, these people would start avoiding
Erectile Dysfunction situation of sexual in nature to the point that they
forgo sexual intimacy with anyone.
- This is the inability of a male to come up or
maintain an erection. Erectile dysfunction is a rare Vaginismus
case of a male who has never experience erection.
- This is a strong spasm of the pelvic musculature
The common case is a male who had never achieve
constricting the female reproductive organ so that
erection but has had experienced previously in the
penetration Is painful or impossible. It can be due
past. This erectile dysfunction is due to alcohol,
to anti-sexual conditioning or psychological trauma
drugs, fear of sexual performance, anxiety and
that serves as unconscious defense against coitus.
other factors. Due significantly to modern
It can be treated by psychotherapy and by gradually
treatment erectile dysfunction found some remedy
dilating the female reproductive organ with
through the drug Viagra. This Viagra treats erectile
increasingly large cylinders.
dysfunction by having an increased blood flow to
the male's penis to produce quick erection.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
(STI’S)
Chlamydia
- This is the most widespread infection that usually
women who have this do not snow symptoms. out
in men this causes burning sensation and discharge
in their penis. It not treated in women this leads to
pelvic inflammation, arthritis, damage in the
urethra and may cause sterility. Because women do
not show symptoms of chlamydia. sexually active
women under 26 year old should be tested for the
disease yearly. when diagnosed this S can be
treated with antibiotics.
Genital Herpes
- These are small blisters or sores around the
genitals that when it breaks open it causes
excoriating pain. These sores usually heal after a
tew weeks but would reoccur about 34 times in a
year after infection, herpes after outbreaks are not
frequent but because the infections cannot be
remedied women who really have the infection
suffer psychological distress and may transfer the
disease to their sexual panners.
Gonorrhea
- It is the longest-recognized sexually transmitted
infection by scientists. This infection has no
symptoms but can cause burning sensation when
urinating and discharge in the penis or vagina.
Gonorrhea may result to infertility in men and
pelvic inflammation in women Antibiotic can cure
unis infection but not completely.
Syphilis
- This first show itself in a small wound at the point
of sexual contact. In the second stage, rashes
appear. This infectious disease affect the brain,
heart and even the growing fetus. If syphilis is
diagnosed early it can be cured by antibiotics.
AIDS
- These past decades there is no sexually
transmitted society than this Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS are caused by a virus,
the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which
destroys body’s immune system. Semen and blood
are the vehicles of transmission (Santrock, 2014).
To avoid or reduce contacting AIDS and other
sexually transmitted diseases "SAFER SEX"
should be practice.
Methods of Contraception (natural and
artificial)
- It cannot be said that due to the negative impact
of sexually transmitted diseases sexuality, sexual
behavior, sexual fulfillment and ecstasy cannot be
condom because these are parts of the human
persons. Generally, procreation is the basic reason
for the sexual act hence couples should have this in
mind. Literature on contraceptives gives the
flowing (San Juan & Centeno, 2014).
Natural Methods
- The natural method termed fertility awareness
pertains to the method of planning and stopping
pregnancy through the observance of the natural
sign and symptoms of the fertility and safe periods
of the menstrual cycle. Sexual contact should be
prevented during the fertile period to avoid
pregnancy.
The Rhythm or Calendar Method
- This rhythm method is the safest one. It is a
fertility tracing method by using a calendar. The
woman has to note her ovulation period and
menstrual cycle. Usually ovulation occurs more or
less 12-16 days prior to menstruation or 14 days to
the next menstrual period. This rhythm is possible
if the woman menstrual cycle is regular.
The Cervical Mucus Method
- This method has to rely on the familiarity of the
body processes. After a woman’s menstruation
there is vaginal discharge which indicates woman
is fertile. This mucus discharge that comes after a
woman"s menstruation is cloudy and sticky at first.
After few days the mucus turns thinner and clearer,
watery, slippery and runny fluid that looks like raw
egg white. This is the time of ovulation and high
risk of pregnancy. After some days the discharge
becomes thicker and drier. What the woman has to
do is examine this discharge every single day. This
method is 97% effective only for women with
regular menstrual cycle.
Basal Body Temperature
- This method makes use of special type of
thermometer to record changes of temperature. The
woman has to record her temperature daily before
getting up or before doing anything in the morning.
An increase of body temperature of half a degree
celsius means there is an ovulation so the couple
should refrain from sexual contact.
Symptom-Thermal Method
- This method is a combination of Basal Body
Temperature and Cervical Mucus method. The
method indicates the breast tenderness and the mid-
cycle pains are physiological indicator of
ovulation.
Recording should be done on the 3rd day of
elevated body temperature or on the 4th day of
height of discharge, whichever comes first. This is
98% effective for a women"s regular or normal
fertility.
Abstinence
- Abstinence is preventing pregnancy by not having
sexual contact or any other sexual activity in which
semen may come in contact with the vulva, the
outer female vagina. This method is 100% effective
preventing pregnancy.
Douche
- Douche is done by washing the sperm and semen
deposited in the vagina with medical solution just
after the sexual contact. This method cannot be
reliable because some sperms may have gotten
inside the vagina before douching.
Prolong Lactation or Lactational Amenorrhea
(LAM)
- LAM is considered natural contraceptive that
protect the woman from pregnancy particularly
during the first 6 months after giving birth. It is
because breast feeding is the prime factor in
delaying menstruation. While the baby suck, the
nipples become stimulated causing the woman to
manufacture prolactine or oxytocin a hormone that
induces the flow of milk. Prolactine is likewise
believed to control ovulation on the lactating
mother and increase the flow of milk. Hence, the
longer the lactation of the mother the prolonging of
the pregnancy added to the breast feeding is the
benefit it gives to both the mother and the baby.
Mother's milk is the best milk due to its natural
nutrient content and the colostrum, the first flow of
mother’s milk which is yellowish and said to
contain antibiotic decreasing infant mortality. Also,
breastfeeding develops bonding between mother
and baby.
Withdrawal
- This is the withdrawal of the penis from the
vagina prior to ejaculation. Because it is difficult to
time the ejaculation, some sperms might be release
in the vagina before the complete ejaculation. This
method is not very reliable for preventing
pregnancy and not psychological due to frustration
on both partners.
ARTIFICIAL METHODS
Pill or Oral Contraceptive
- This is a tablet of man-made hormone called
estrogen and progesterone imitating the hormone in
the female’s body. These hormones are of two
kinds: the COC, combined oral contraceptive and
POP, progesterone only pills. The estrogen controls
the maturing of the egg cell and prevents its release
from the ovary, while the progesterone changes the
lining of the uterus and the consistency of the
cervical mucus. These two man-made estrogen and
progesterone prevent the meeting of the egg cell
and the sperm thus, no pregnancy. Usually, the
woman has to take this pill regularly for 21 days in
the menstrual cycle.
The morning after pill
- The morning after pill is an emergency birth
control which prevents a woman from pregnancy
even after unprotected sex act. This method stops
pregnancy due to the high dose of hormone. This
"morning after pill" called Postinor prevents egg
cell ovulation and disrupt the uterine lining to stop
implantation of fertilized egg or zygote Here in the
Philippines, this Postinor which is injected to the
women every 3 months is an abortion causing pill.
The prolife group admonishes the selling of this pill
because the fertilized egg or zygote which has
already a life of its own is aborted.
Implants
- Implants are matchstick-size rubber silicon, rods,
capsules or tubes containing progesterone. A
physician surgically implants this silicon under the
skin generally at the upper arm. The silicon rod
releases low dose of hormone to stop ovulation and
cause thickening of the cervical mucus preventing
the sperms from penetration. (San Juan & Centeno,
2011)
Surgical Method or Sterilization
- This method can stop the sperms. and egg cell
from meeting in the fallopian tube by cutting or
tying fallopian made through hospital or clinic
operation.
Vasectomy
- Vasectomy, for male sterilization is done by
cutting or searing the two deferens, the tube
carrying the sperms from the testes to the penis, to
stop the sperms from mixing the seminal fluid. This
is a permanent or irreversible back surgery, a 15-20
minute operation. This surgery vasectomy is done
by cutting slit m the scrotum, the skin bag that hung
the testes.
Male Condom or Prophylactic Latex
- The condom is a synthetic or artificial sheath
worn over the penis before sexual act to prevent the
sperms from entering the uterus This has sealed tip
that catches the semen during ejaculation. The
condom has to be removed instantly after sex act
otherwise if delayed may cause the sperms from
spilling into the cervix. Diaphragm or Cervical Cap
This cap is a thin rubber bowl-shaped disk with
flexible rim that fits on top of the vagina to cover
the cervix and prevent the sperms from its entrance
to the vagina and reaching the egg inside. This
diaphragm should be fitted 2-3 hours before sexual
contact and be removed some hours after.
Sponge
- Sponge is a soft doughnut-shape device of spongy
materials that has spermicide. Before it is inserted
prior to sexual act it should be moistened and let it
stay in place for about six hours after, but it can stay
for 24 hours if sexual contact is repeated. This
sponge works like the diaphragm which serves as
blockage for the sperms entering the uterus.
DEFINITION OF LOVE, TYPES OF LOVE,
FUNCTIONS OF DATING, WHY DO PEOPLE
FALL IN LOVE LOVE AND ATTACHMENT:
WHAT IS LOVE?
Definition of Love
One characteristic of man that shows his being a
person is his capacity to love. Like man's
rationality, freedom and responsibility, his power
to love has added to his being a person. (Bernardo,
2016). Love is exceedingly difficult to define,
although many have tried. Researchers try to be
more comfortable measuring the idea of
attachment, intimacy, companionship, and
infatuation which are related to and always treated
as measure of love. Some studies in physical
science says that there is a level of oxytocin and
serotonin in romantic couples. So what is really
love?
Love is patient, love is kind. it does not envy, or
dishonor others it is not self seeking. It is not easily
angered. It keeps no record of wrong. Love does
not delight in evil but rejoice in the truth. It always
trusts, always hopes, always perceived.
(Corinthians, 13.4 as quoted by Lamana,
Riedman& Stewart, 2015)
Types of Love
After dating, one is now ready for Love. Love takes
varied forms. there is love between parents and
children. There is love between friends called
philia, an ancient Greek word which refers to
concern for the well fare of others. Love is a feeling
that is complex than liking making & difficult to
measure. Love is what people longed for, live for
and even die for. Although love has varied and
complex meaning, yet it can be simplified in two
types: the passionate love and companionate love
(Meyer, 1993)
Passionate Love
This is usually known as romantic love. it is an
intense longing for union within one another.
Passionate lovers are absorbed with one another,
snow feeling or ecstatic tenderness and elation in
attaining their partner’s love and are disconsolate
on losing it. Love shows generalized physiological
arousal like increased heartbeat, blushing.
perspiration and feeling of intense excitement. in
passionate love people often overlook faults and
shortcomings and try to avoid conflicts Logic and
reasons die set aside by excrement one perceives
the object of love as one or paragon or virtues and
who provide complete satisfaction. unis intense
feeling or passionate love is Typically common in
the early relationship wen partners are not fully
known to each other. it is not quite surprising that
passionate love is generally snort lived which
usually lasts only for months. This is because at the
start they are not aware of ones true character. Only
too much familiarity when each full character little
by little comes out into the open then, disillusion
and frustration set in.
Companionate Love
Companionate or compassionate love is of lesser
intense feeling compared to passionate love. It is
characterized by friendly affection and a deep
caring attachment based on familiarity of the love
one (Cooks, 2014). According to Meyer (1993),
companionate love is the affection a person feels
for those with whom their lives are intertwined. in
companionate love there is tolerance for the
partner’s shortcomings along the desire to
overcome conflicts and differences. It showed
thoughtful appreciation of one’s partner.
Companionate love involves commitment and
nurturing of the partnership. Companionate love is
more enduring and lasting than passionate love.
Another idea about love as expounded by Robert
Stemberg (1888) as quoted by Meyer (1993). To
Stemberg, love is illustrated in triarchic dimension-
INTIMACY, PASSION AND COMMITMENT.
STENBERG’s TRIANGULAR THEORY OF
LOVE
Passion is motivational component that ignites
romantic feelings, physical attraction, and desire
for sexual interaction. Passion creates a deeper
desire to be together with the love one.
Intimacy is the emotional component of love that
encompasses the sense of bonding with the person.
It involves feeling of warmth, sharing, and
emotional closeness
Commitment - this is the cognitive component of
love. It pertains to the conscious decision to love
someone and to remain in a relationship for long in
spite of the difficulty it entails
Functions of Dating
Dating today has evolved to some functions which
is not only for mate selection:
• Dating can be a form of recreation.
• Dating Is a source of status and achievement.
• Dating is part of the socialization process. Dating
involves learning about intimacy and serves as a
chance to establish a unique meaningful
relationship with a person of the opposite sex.
• Dating can be an opportunity for sexual
experimentation and exploration
• Dating can provide a chance for companionship
through interactions and shared activities in an
opposite-sex relationship.
• Dating experiences contribute to identity
formation and development.
• Dating can be a mate sorting and selection thereby
retaining its original courtship function.
WHY DO PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE?
Falling in love when and whom is quite a complex
matter. There are some scientists and psychologists
who gave these following ideas.
1. People fail in love to overcome loneliness and
separateness.
2. People desire a form of union is the deepest need
of human person.
3. People when they are in their own solitariness,
longed for a refuge in union and in love.
4. Love relationships in an aspect of a person's
social network instead of a cure to one's loneliness.
5. People fall in love most often has no clear
explanation why he/she fell in love with this
particular person and not the other one.
THERE ARE SOME FACTORS THAT CAN
SHED LIGHT ON THIS TOPIC:
Proximity
- This is geographical nearness of one person to
another, which is most important variable in
interpersonal attraction. This is a potent factor in
the start of interaction due to the repeated exposure
to new stimuli. For instance, when a person hears
unfamiliar music or new work of art for the first
time he becomes curious then later is attracted to
these. This term is mere exposure effect, a
phenomenon, in which repeated exposure to novel
stimuli tends to increase an individual's liking for
such stimuli.
Similarity and, comfortable with themselves so they find
satisfying relationship with others.
- Similarity likewise influence in determining who
one falls in love with. It is a contrast to the old Love and Attachment According to Crooks (2014)
saying "opposite poles attract" because people
Attachment means an intense bond that develops
often like those who they have the same liking,
between two individuals, either between infant and
beliefs, attitudes, interests and intellectual abilities.
the parent or between adults and lovers. The way
One is likely to pair romantically with someone
one develops attachment is rooted in infancy.
whose level of physical-attractiveness is the same
Infants are attached to their caregiver and because
idea with his/hers. Another point is similarity of
it is generally their mothers who provide
goals, values and personality characteristics that
nourishment and care hence attachment is
correlate to satisfaction and stable relationship.
developed toward them. According to Freud infant
People are also attracted to those of similar age,
becomes attach to the one who provides oral
educational status, or religious affiliation. The
satisfaction. To Erikson, physical comfort and
similarity of liking may also include social and
sensitive care are keys to the establishment of trust
personal inclination.
and mistrust during the first year of development
Reciprocity hence infant's sense of trust serves as the
foundation of attachment (Santrock, 2014).
- Reciprocity is an idea that a particular person has
a perception that an individual is interested with Building a Healthy Relationship
him/her. People generally react to flattery or
Every relationship is unique, and people come
compliment and other compliment of liking and
together for many different reasons. Part of what
affection. Hence this idea is reflected in the
defines a healthy relationship is sharing a common
principle of reciprocity, which states that when a
goal for exactly what you want the relationship to
person receives comments of liking or loving one
tends also to reciprocate in the same manner. be and where you want it to go. And that's
something you'll only know by talking deeply and
Attractiveness
honestly with your partner. However, there are also
Physical Attractiveness. Physical beauty plays an some characteristics that most healthy relationships
important role in drawing people together. have in common. Knowing these basic principles
Although there IS a saying that beauty is just skin can help keep your relationship meaningful,
deep but experiments prove otherwise: fulfilling, and exciting whatever goals you're
working towards or challenges you're facing
• Physical attractive people are sought after as
together.
friends or lovers.
You maintain a meaningful emotional
• Physical beauty is perceived as more interesting,
connection with each other.
poised, sexy, happy; competent and socially
skilled. You each make the other feel loved and
emotionally fulfilled. There's a difference between
• Height is an added component influencing
being loved and feeling loved. When you feel
attraction particular to women who are equally
loved, it makes you feel accepted and valued by
attracted to taller men.
your partner, like someone truly gets you. Some
• Aesthetic people really like to admire anything relationships get stuck in peaceful coexistence, but
beautiful. without the partners truly relating to each other
emotionally. While the union may seem stable on
• Beautiful individuals have more something to the surface, a lack of ongoing involvement and
offer in terms of their enticing personal qualities. • emotional connection serves only to add distance
People are attracted to beautiful individuals between two people.
because they offer status by associations.
• Beautiful people by luck of having been treated
well by others throughout their lives feel secured
You're not afraid of (respectful) disagreement.
Some couples talk things out quietly, while others
may raise their voices and passionately disagree.
The key in a strong relationship, though, is not to
be fearful of conflict. You need to feel safe to
express things that bother you without fear of
retaliation, and be able to resolve conflict without
humiliation, degradation, or insisting on being
right.
You keep outside relationships and interests
alive.
Despite the claims of romantic fiction or movies,
no one person can meet all of your needs. In fact,
expecting too much from your partner can put
unhealthy pressure on a relationship. To stimulate
and enrich your romantic relationship, it"s
important to sustain your own identity outside of
the relationship, preserve connections with family
and friends, and maintain your hobbies and
interests.
You communicate openly and honestly.
Good communication is a key part of any
relationship. When both people know what they
want from the relationship and feel comfortable
expressing their needs, fears, and desires, it can
increase trust and strengthen the bond between you.