ADM – 002- 20- 0061

COURSE CODE: GE 4

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: Understanding the Self TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREREQUISITE(S): TOPIC 1: The Philosophical, Biblical, and

Psychological View of self
CREDIT UNITS: 3
TOPIC 2: Sociological Perspective
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is intended to
facilitate the exploration of the issues and concerns TOPIC 3: Anthropological Perspective of the Self
regarding self and identity to arrive at a better
understanding of one self. It deals with the nature of TOPIC 4: Psychological Perspective
identity, as well as the factors and forces that affect the
development and maintenance of personal identity. TOPIC 5: Eastern and Western Thoughts about
Self
It is a three-unit course that develops students’
communicative competence and enhances their cultural TOPIC 6: Physical Self
and intercultural awareness through multimodal tasks
that provide them opportunities for communicating TOPIC 7: Sexual Aspect of Self
effectively and appropriately to a multicultural audience
in a local or global context. It equips students with tools TOPIC 8: Material Aspect of Self
for critical evaluation of a variety of texts and focuses
on the power of language and the impact of images to TOPIC 9: Spiritual Aspect of the Self
emphasize the importance of conveying messages
responsibly. The knowledge, skills, and insights that TOPIC 10: Political Aspect of Self
students gain from this course may be used in their
other academic endeavor, their chosen discipline, and TOPIC 11: Digital Aspect of Self
their future career as they compose and produce
relevant oral, written, audio-visual and/or web-based TOPIC 12: Managing and Caring for the Self
output of various purposes.

COURSE OUTCOMES: After successful completion of the

course, as a pre-service teacher, you are expected to:
1. discuss the different representation and
conceptualizations of the self from various disciplinal
perspective;
2. examine the different influences, factors, and forces
that shape the self.
3. explore the different aspects of self and identity;
4. identify the different forces and institutions that
impact the development of various aspects of self and
identity;
5. understand the theoretical underpinnings for how to
manage and care the different aspects of the self;
6. Acquire and hone new skills and learnings for better
managing of one’s self behavior

GE 4-Understanding the Self | 1st semester, AY 2022-2023 1


WEEK NO: 2-3
The Philosophical, Biblical, and
Psychological View of Self
At the end of this topic, as a pre-service teacher, you should
be able to:
• explain the nature, concept and meaning of the self; •
describe the nature of the self from your own point of view;
• Develop a pleasant and wholesome attitude towards
oneself
What is ‘self’?
• A person's essential being that distinguishes them from
others, especially considered as the object of introspection or
reflexive action.
THE PHILOSOPHICAL VIEW OF SELF
Socrates: Know Yourself Socrates is principally concerned
with man. He considers man from the point of view of his
inner life. The famous line of Socrates, “Know yourself," tells
each man to bring his inner self to light bad man is not
virtuous through ignorance; the man who does not follow the
good fails to do so because he does not recognize it.
The core of Socratic ethics is the concept of virtue and
knowledge. Virtue is the deepest and most basic propensity a
man. Knowing one's own virtue is necessary and can be
learned Since virtue is innate in the mind and self-knowledge
is the source of all wisdom, an individual may gain possession
of oneself and be one's own master through knowledge.
Immanuel Kant: Respect for Self
Man is the only creature who governs and directs himself and
actions, who sets up ends for himself and his purpose, and
who freely orders means for the attainment of his aims. Every
man is thus an end in himself and should never be treated
merely as a means-as per the order of the Creator and the
natural order of things. This rule is a plain dictum of reason
and justice: Respect others as you would respect yourself.
A person should not be used as a tool, instrument, or device
to accomplish another's private ends. Thus, all men are
persons gifted with the same basic rights and should treat
each other as equals.
Plato: The Ideal Self, the Perfect Self According to Plato, man
was omniscient or all-knowing before he came to be born
into this world. With his separation from the paradise of
truth and knowledge and his long exile on earth, he forgot
most of the knowledge he had. However, by constant
remembering through contemplation and doing good, he can
regain his former perfections.
Man, who is now an exile on earth has a guiding star, a
model, or a divine exemplar which he must follow to reach
and attain his destiny. In practical terms, this means that man
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in this life should imitate his former self; more specifically, he
should live a life of virtue in which true human perfection
exists. Happiness, which is the fruit of virtue, is attained by
the constant imitation of the divine exemplar of virtue,
embodied in man's former perfect self.
René Descartes: "I think, therefore I am"
Descartes states that the self is a thinking entity distinct from
the body. His first famous principle was "Cogito, ergo sum,"
which means "I think, therefore I am." Although the mind and
the body are independent from each other and serve their
own function, man must use his own mind and thinking
abilities to investigate, analyze, experiment, and develop
himself.
John Locke: Personal Identity
John Locke holds that personal identity (the self) is a matter
of psychological continuity. For him, personal identity is
founded on consciousness (memory), and not on the
substance of either the soul or the body.
Personal identity is the concept about oneself that evolves
over the course of an individual's life. It may include aspects
of life that man has no control over, such as where he grew
up or the color of his skin, as well as the choices he makes,
like how he spends his time and what he believes.
David Hume: The Self is the Bundle Theory of Mind
Hume is skeptical about the existence of the self, specifically,
on whether there is a simple, unified self that exists over
time. For him, man has no "clear and intelligible" idea of the
self. He posits that no single impression of the self exists;
rather, the self is just the thing to which all perceptions of a
man is ascribed. Moreover, even if there were such an
impression of the self, it would have to remain constant over
time to constitute identity.
However, man's impressions vary and always change. Even
attempts to have impressions of the self must fail for all these
attempts are really just occasions for one to notice
perceptions.
Put simply, a person can never observe oneself without some
other perceptions. Thus, Hume asserts that what we call the
“self” is really just "a bundle or collection of different
perceptions which succeed each other with an inconceivable
rapidity."
THE CHRISTIAN OR BIBLICAL VIEW
The Holy Bible
God created man in His image; in the divine image He
created him; male and female He created them. God blessed
them, saying, "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and
subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds in
the air, and all the living things that move on the earth."
Genesis 1:24-28
According to the Holy Writ, man, following his redemption by
the Savior from eternal bondage, now shares in the infinite
merits of his Redeemer and has become not only the
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inheritor of the new earth but also the heir of heavenly
kingdom. Thus, it is appropriate to think of the "self" as the
multi-bejeweled crown of creation-the many gems thereof
representing and radiating the glorious facets of man's self
that include the physical, intellectual, moral, religious, social,
political, economic, emotional, sentient, aesthetic, sensual,
and sexual aspects.
St. Augustine: Love and Justice as the Foundation of the
Individual Self
St. Augustine believes that a virtuous life is a dynamism of
love. It is a constant following of and turning towards love
while a wicked life is a constant turning away from love.
Loving God means loving one's fellowmen; and loving one's
fellowmen denotes never doing any harm to another or, as
the golden principle of justice states, doing unto others as
you would have them do unto you.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL VIEW OF SELF
Sigmund Freud: The Psychoanalytic Theory of Self
Freud's asserts that the human psyche (personality)
structured into three parts (tripartite). These structures – the
id, ego, and superego-all develop at different stages in a
person's life.
These three structures are systems and not physical parts of
the brain. Although each part comprises unique features and
contributes to an individual’s behavior, they interact to form
a whole.
Parts of Personality
1. Id (internal desires). Also called internal drives or
instinctive drives, it consists of the body's primitive biological
drives and urges which are concerned only with achieving
pleasure biological drives and self-satisfaction. Id lives
completely in the unconscious.
2. Ego (reality). It is the “I” part of the individual that gives
him/ her the sense of his/her own identity. The ego is the
rational part of the personality.
3. Superego (conscience). It is the part of the personality
concerned with morals, precepts, standards, and ideas. The
superego is also the critical faculty of the personality.
1. Oral. From birth to the end of the first year, the
mouth becomes the part of the body through which
gratification is secured.
2. Anal (expulsive phase). From the age of 2 to 3 years,
the child of 2 to 3 years, the child derives the
feelings of pleasure or pain from defecating. It
covers the toilet-training period.
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3. Phallic. From the age of 3 to 6 years, the child gets
curious about his/her genitals and becomes attached
to the parent of the opposite sex. The attraction of a
boy to his mother is called Oedipus complex, while
that of a girl to her father is called Electra complex.
4. Latency. From the age of 10 to 12 years, sexual
motivations presumably recede in importance as the
child becomes preoccupied with developing skills
and other activities.
5. Genital. After puberty, the deepest feelings of
pleasure presumably come from heterosexual
relations.
Erik Erikson: The Psychosocial Stages of Self-development
Erikson was primarily concerned with how both psychological
and social factors affect the development of individuals. He
has formulated eight major stages of development, each
posing a unique developmental task and simultaneously
presenting the individual with a crisis that he/she must
overcome . As defined by Erikson, a crisis is not "a threat of
catastrophe but a turning point, a crucial period of increased
vulnerability and heightened potential" (Erikson, 1968, p. 96).
Accordingly, individuals develop a healthy personality by
mastering "life's outer and inner dangers."
Freudian Stages of Psychosexual Development
Freud also argues that the development of an individual can
be divided into distinct stages characterized by sexual drives.
As a person grows, certain areas become sources of pleasure,
frustration or both.
Merleau-Ponty
Maurice Jean Jacques Merleau-Ponty is a French philosopher
who is known for his works on existentialism and
phenomenology. His idea of the self, regarded that the body
and mind are not separate entities, but rather those two
components is one and the same. His idea that follows the
gestalt ideation where the whole is greater than the sum of
its parts in which pushed his idea on the unity of the function
of the mind and body, this idea is called the Phenomenology
of Perception.
The idea of Phenomenology of Perception according to
Merleau-Ponty is divided into three (3) division, The Body,
The Perceived World, and the People and the world.
The body that both receives the experience as well as
integrates such experiences in the different perception.
The Perceived world, which are the accumulation of the
perception as integrated by the experiences of the body.
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And the People and the world that enable one to not only be
able to integrate the other objects in the world but also to be
able to experience the cultural aspect and relate to others.
His idea of perception follows the idea of Gestalt psychology
which gives important on the whole than the sum of its part.
For him, perception guides our action based from what our
experiences are, the body perceives while our consciousness
provides the meaning or interprets the various perception we
have in the world and the self could be established by the
perceptions we have in the world, whereas one’s action,
behavior and language used could be said to be the reflection
of our united perception of the world.
WEEK NO: 4-5
SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Sociology, or the study of how human society is established,
its structure and how it works, the people’s interaction with
each other and the effects they have to one another is an
aspect in which we have to consider with regards to the
development of a person. It is also important to understand
that the establishment of the “Self” based on social
structures could give us a better understanding of who we are
and provide reasons how our interactions can affect us as a
person.
George Herbert Mead and the Social Self,
George Herbert Mead is an American Sociologist, he is
considered as the Father of American pragmatism, and one of
the pioneers in the field of social psychology because of his
contributions on the development of the person relating to
various social factors.
Mead rejected the idea of biological determination of the self
which proposes that an individual already has an established
self from the moment he is born. For him, the notion of a
person with regards to who they are develops from one’s
social interaction with other people. He reiterated that the
process of establishing the self is through the construction
and reconstruction of the idea of who we are as a person
during the process of social experience.
The “I” and the “Me”
Mead proposes that there are two components of the self
which the person have, these components are the “I” and the
“Me”. The “Me” are the characteristics, behavior, and or
actions done by a person that follows the “generalized
others” that person interacts with, while the “I” is the
reaction of the individual to the attitude of others, as well as
the manifestation of the individuality of the person. Simply
speaking, According to Mead the concept the “I” is one’s
response to the established attitude, and behavior that a
person assumes in reference to their social interactions while
GE 4-Understanding the Self | 1st semester, AY 2022-2023
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the “Me” are the attitudes, and behavior of the person with
reference to their social environment.
Mead’s Three Role-playing Stages of Self Development
Mead proposed that there a three stages in which a person
has to go through for one to develop one’s self. These stages
are the Preparation/Language Stage, Play stage, and Game
stage.
The Preparatory Stage (Birth – 2 years Old) – According to
Mead, during this stage the infant simply imitates the actions
and behaviors of the people that the infant interacts with.
Because the child is only mimicking what he or she observes
from his or her environment their actions are only the
reflection of what they can remember without any intention
or meaning behind their actions or behavior.
The Play Stage (2 – 6 years old) – for the Play stage, it is the
time where children begins to interact with other with which
certain rules apply, these rules often time does not adhere to
any set or standards but rather are rules that are set by the
children themselves. Also, this is the stage where the child
practices real life situations through pretend play and is the
onset of self-consciousness. The development of the self in
this stage occurs through the preliminary experiences that
serves as practice for the child.
The Game Stage (6-9 years old) – The final stage of self-
development according to Mead where are characterized by
the ability of the children to recognize the rules of the game
and be able to identify their roles and the roles of the others
that is playing with them. With this, the children at this stage
learns the implications of their actions as well as the
understanding or taking into account how one can take into
account the view point of the society on the attitudes and
actions.
With the idea of Mead with regards to the establishment of
the sense of self, socialization is a lifetime endeavor, and the
people one interacts with will change throughout a person’s
life, as such, considering the social environment one belongs
to along with the changes on the person’s development, may
it be at school, home, or work, the interactions and
experiences the person acquires from those people and
situations helps define a more concrete identity and sense of
self. That idea of “Self” may be based on the general attitudes
and behaviors of other people or the individuality of the
person that manifests as a response to those attitudes and
behaviors of others.
The Looking-glass Self
The looking-glass self describes the process wherein
individuals base their sense of self on how they
believe others view them. Using social interacti on as
a type of “mirror,” people use the judgments they
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receive from others to measure their own worth,
values, and behavior.
Core Assumptions
the process of discovering the looking-glass self
occurs in three steps:
1. An individual in a social situati on imagines
how they appear to others.
2. That individual imagines others’ judgment of
that appearance.
3. The individual develops feelings about and
responds to those perceived judgments.
Social Identity Theory
Social Identity theory and self-categorization theory suggest
that people categorize themselves as belonging to certain
groups such as nationality, gender, or even sports teams.
Social identity theory focuses on how group memberships
guide intergroup behavior and influence an individual’s self-
concept. Closely tied to self-categorization is an individual’s
evaluation of the group. To reach positive evaluations of
one’s group, people engage in process of social comparison.
They derogate the out-group with the aim of increasing their
own self-esteem.
Private self, Public Self and Collective Self
The collective self consists of those aspects of the self that
are based on memberships in social groups or categories. It
refers to a perception of self as an interchangeable exemplar
of some social category rather than a perception of self as a
unique person. The collective self is based on impersonal
bonds to others that are derived from the shared
identification with a social group. Those bonds do not
necessarily require close personal relationships between
group members.
The collective self-concept is composed of attributes that one
shares with members of the group to which one belongs (the
ingroup). That is, it includes those aspects of the self-concept
that differentiate ingroup members from members of
relevant outgroups. Commonalities with groups may be
based on stable characteristics, such as race or gender, or on
achieved states, such as occupation or party membership.
Private self
the part of the self that is known mainly to oneself, such as
one’s inner feelings and self-concept.
The part of a person's awareness known only to themselves.
The private self is the only one aware of true feelings
and self-worth. As opposed to the outside, physical and
noticeable person the public sees.
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Public Self
information about the self, or an integrated view of the self,
that is conveyed to others in actions, self-descriptions,
appearance, and social interactions. An individual’s public self
may vary depending on the target or audience of such
impressions.
The public self is the view of oneself by others as conveyed
through public information, public action and interaction with
others. The public self generally depends on the public
for definition, but is also an individual's view of how he or she
fits in and actions taken while in public.
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
A book that was published in the U.S. in 1959, written by
sociologist Erving Goffman. In it, Goffman uses the imagery of
theater in order to portray the nuances and significance of
face-to-face social interaction. Goffman puts forth a theory of
social interaction that he refers to as the dramaturgical model
of social life.
According to Goffman, social interaction may be likened to a
theater, and people in everyday life to actors on a stage,
each playing a variety of roles. The audience consists of
other individuals who observe the role-playing and react to
the performances. In social interaction, like in theatrical
performances, there is a 'front stage' region where the actors
are on stage before an audience, and their consciousness of
that audience and the audience's expectations for the role
they should play influence the actor's behavior. There is also
a back region, or 'backstage,' where individuals can relax, be
themselves, and the role or identity that they play when they
are in front of others.
Postmodern View of the Self
Postmodernism is not a philosophy but more of a report on
the mindset of western culture in the latter half of the 20 th
century. In the postmodernist view, self is not the creator of
meaning, nor the center or starting point of sociological
inquiry. For French philosopher Michael Foucault, the self is
also seen as a product of modern discourse that is socially
and historically conditioned (David, 2002).
Anderson(1997) gives four basic postmodernist ideas about
self, which address the issues of change and multiple
identities. The first is multiphrenia which refers to the many
different voices speaking about “who we are and what we
are.” In the postmodern world, you just do not get to be a
single and consistent somebody. When you are a family man,
for instance, you are a husband, a father, and an in-law at the
same time. When you go out of your house, you are a
neighbor, a “kumpare,” a “ninong”, and a citizen. When you
go to work, you are either a boss or an employee, or a co-
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worker and a taxpayer. Second is protean, a self capable of
changing constantly to fit the present conditions. You may
not be at ease to talk with gays and lesbians as a teenager,
but now you are not bothered at all. You might have hated
political dynasties before, but you are amenable to them
now. You did not want a tattoo before, but you are
considering it now. The protean self is a manifestation that
people do not have a true stable self. Third is de-centered, a
belief that there is no self at all. The self is constantly being
redefined or constantly undergoing change. We are what we
are described to be. Fourth is self-in-relation, which means
that humans do not live their lives in isolation but in relation
to people and to certain cultural context.
Kenneth Gergen’s Saturated or Multiplicitous Self
For Kenneth Gergen, the saturated self is characterized by
constant connection to others, a self that absorbs a
multitude of voices(sometimes contradictory) and takes in a
seemingly endless streams of information. This saturation
contradicts the notion of a singular, true, authentic self, and
instead gives way to a self consisting of “multiple” selves. This
is due to the splitting of the self into multitude of options,
which Gergen calls multiphrenia.
WEEK NO: 6
ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE
SELF
The Self and the Person in Contemporary Anthropology
I. Anthropology and Its Subdisciplines
The academic discipline of anthropology, or “four-field”
anthropology, studies human species and its immediate
ancestors includes four main sub disciplines or subfields -
sociocultural, archeological, biological and linguistic
anthropology. Each sub discipline studies adaptation, the
process which organisms cope with the environmental.
Anthropology is a systematic exploration of human
biological and cultural diversity.
The Sub disciplines of Anthropology
1. Cultural Anthropology
Cultural anthropology is the study of human society and
culture which describes, analyzes, interprets and
explains social and cultural similarities and differences.
It explores the diversity of the present and the past.
Ethnography and ethnology are two different activities
which can study and interpret cultural diversity.
2. Archeological Anthropology
Archeological anthropology reconstructs, describes and
interprets human behavior and cultural patterns through
material remains. These materials remain such as plant,
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animal and ancient garbage provides stories about
utilization and actions.
3. Biological, or Physical Anthropology
Biological, or Physical Anthropology focuses on these
special interest, human evolution as revealed by the
fossil, human genetics, human growth and development,
human biological plasticity and the biology, evolution,
behavior and social life of monkeys, apes and other
nonhuman primates.
4. Linguistic Anthropology
Linguistic anthropology studies language in its social and
cultural context across space and over time. Universal
features of language are analyzed and association
between language and culture are evaluated. It also
studies how speech changes in social situations and over
time.
The Self Embedded in the Culture
Culture refers to customary behavior and beliefs that
are passed on through enculturation (Kottak, 2008),
wherein enculturation is the social process which culture
is learned and transmitted.
Culture is a social process that is learned and passes from
generation to the next. Culture depends on images,
which have a specific significance and incentive for
individuals who share a culture. Cultural traditions take
regular marvels, including organic desires, and
transforming them specifically headings. Everybody is
cultured. Social orders are coordinated and designed
through predominant monetary powers, social examples,
key images and core values. Cultural mean of adjustment
have been urgent in human evolution. Cultures oblige
people, yet the activities of people can change cultures.
Cultural Identity refers to the identity or feeling of
belongingness to a certain culture group. It is an
individual’s perception about himself or herself anchored
on race, gender, nationality, religion, ethnicity, and
language.
Identity refers to “who the person is”, or the qualities
and traits of an individual that make him or her different
from others.
Culture defined: Culture is shared, symbolic, natural,
learned, integrated, encompassing and maladaptive and
adaptive.
Psychology has various ways of understanding a person and
the therapist way of helping people understand themselves.
Self by definition is a reference by an individual to the same
individual person. Having its own or single character as a
person, referring to the person as same individual.
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The psychology of studying self is about either the cognitive
and affective representation of one's identity or the subject
of experience. The earliest formulation of the self in modern
psychology forms the distinction between the self as I, the
person knower, and the self as Me, the person that is known.
WEEK NO: 7
PSYCHOLOGICAL
“The Self and It Selves” PERSPECTIVE OF
SELF
William James, a psychologist, has introduced in his
document The Principles of Psychology (1890) a numerous
concepts and distinction of self. For James, his main concepts
of self are the “me-self” and the “I-self”. The “me-self” is the
phenomenal self, the experienced self or the self as known. It
is the self that has experience the phenomena and who had
known the situation. The “I-self” is the self-thought or the
self-knower. James had claimed that the understanding of
Self can be separated into three categories: “1. Its
constituents; 2. The feeling and emotions they arouse – Self-
feelings; 3. The actions to which they prompt – Self-seeking
and self-preservation.
Also, James wrote sub-categories of self, 1. the material self;
2. the social self; and 3. the spiritual self.
 The Material Self is constituted by our bodies,
clothes, immediate family and home. It is in this this
that we attached more deeply into and therefore we
are most affected by because of the investment we
give to these things.
 The Social Self is based on our interactions with
society and the reaction of people towards us. It is
our social self that thought to have multiple
divergence or different version of ourselves. It
varies as to how we present ourselves to a particular
social group.
 The most intimate self, the spiritual self. It is the
most intimate because it is more satisfying for the
person that they have the ability to argue and
discriminate one’s moral sensibility, conscience and
indomitable will.
Conception of Self
Carl Rogers, had come up with his conception of self through
the intervention he used for his client, the Person-centered
therapy. It is a non-directive intervention because it believes
that all people have the potential to solve their own
problems. Rogers believe that people must be fully honest
with themselves in order to have personal discovery on
oneself. In this concept of self, he had come up with three
sides of a triangle.
A. The Perceived Self (Self worth - how the person sees
self & others sees them)
B. The Real Self (Self Image - How the person really is)
C. The Ideal Self (How the person would like to be)
Concept of Unified and Multiple Self
As Daniel CW (2016) wrote in his article “Psychoanalysis vs
Postmodern Psychology” he has emphasized how Freud
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perceived person as a unified being and Gergens concept of
multiple “selves”
In Freud’s concept, he argued that mind is divided into three
connected but distinct parts. The Id, Ego and Super Ego. Id as
the center of primitive, animalistic impulses (sex, food &
comfort) following the pleasure principle. Superego as the
center for ethical imperative. The one that reminds the self of
what is right of wrong following morality principle. And the
Ego as the moderator between these two which was driven
by rationality principle. And then also, Freud has stated two
important division of mind, the conscious and unconscious.
Conscious are the thoughts that we are aware of. And
Unconscious as thoughts that we are not aware of.
Although, Freud has argued that self has a multiple parts, he
still believed that ultimately we are a Unified beings (Atleast,
when we are healthy). Ego remains at the helm of mind,
guiding the Id and Superego and staying at the center. Thus
Gergen argued that having a flexible sense of self allows for
multiple “selves”. That it is up to the the self to define himself
as warm or cold, dominant or submissive, sexy or plain.
According to Kenneth Gergen, proponent of Post modern
Psychology, The individual has many potential selves. He
carries within him the capacity to identify himself, whether
warm or cold, dominant or submissive, sexy or plain. How we
bring ourselves in every situation will held him get through
for a day. Therefore, maybe it is healthy to have many mask.
Multiple selfhood is part of what it means to be human, and
forcing oneself to stick to one self-concept maybe unhealthy.
True Self and Fake Self
True Self, as rooted from early infancy is called the simple
being. The sense of self based on spontaneous authentic
experience and feeling of being alive, having “real self”.
Example, as a baby we react base on our sense of reality. The
baby reacted spontaneously based on our instinctual sense.
Fake Self, is our defense facade. Overlaying or contradicting
the original sense of self. Problem would be we might build
false set of relationship through concealing a barren
emptiness behind an independent-seeming façade.
WEEK NO: 8
WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS ABOUT
SELF
7
 ADM – 002- 20- 0061
object which can be desirelessness to reach nirvana;
There is a clash of civilization that is plaguing the country productively reciprocal
right now and though this is not officially and consciously studied through as
acknowledged, this war for dominance is victimizing all series of
Filipinos in one form or another. There is really no middle evanescent actions,
ground, and it is either one is rooting for the other side or self is
opposing all contentions and wisdom from another side. This multidimensional
is the battle for the dominance, and prisoners are not taken entity
and captured. This is literally, the war between the eastern Self takes form in (Theravada) detachment and
self versus the western self. communication desirelessness to reach nirvana;
reciprocal relationship;
Western culture basically is about the focus on oneself and (Mahayana)compassion to other
personal needs; Eastern culture is about focus on others and humans for belief that we are part
the feeling of others. Western culture is predicated on putting of the same ever-changing universe
egoism first while Eastern culture is about collectivism. (Buddhism)
Conceptually, there is a vast of difference between egoism Self is intimately Attainment of liberation in the
and collectivism. While egoism is focused on oneself, connected to bodily identification of Atman (the spiritual
collectivism is all about focus on others. While the Western experience both essence of all individual human
culture is inclined in more acquisition of material things, the ontogenetically and beings) and Brahman (the spiritual
Eastern culture is tilted towards less assets (thus the mantra here and now essence of the universe)
less is more). Western culture is obsessed with being awareness
successful, the eastern culture is more inclined towards long Self is both Attainment of liberation in the
life; for the Eastern culture, long life is equated with wealth. phenomenal and identification of Atman (the spiritual
nonphenomenal essence of all individual human
In the Eastern culture, wealth and poverty is the result of beings) and Brahman (the spiritual
fortune and luck, for the Western culture, wealth and poverty essence of the universe) through
is the result of enterprise and hard work. The Eastern culture the Four Yogas (Taoism)
values the wisdom of years and seniority, while the Western Self acquires Concept of Kapwa, recognition of
culture celebrates the youth and being young. substance shared identity, an inner self shared
Philosophically, the Eastern culture subscribe to concept of according to with others; Two levels or modes of
reincarnation while Western culture subscribe to the idea of semantic, syntactic social interaction – ibang-tao or
evolution. Taken as a whole, these basic and subtle and pragmatic “outsider” and hindi ibang-tao or
differences between the Eastern culture and the Western “oneof-us” (Filipino Psychology)
culture are taking its toll on Filipinos on which culture to
adopt. The dilemma is whether to follow and subscribe to the Individualism versus Collectivism
Western influences or subscribe to Eastern ideas. Individualism Collectivism
People are autonomous Interdependent within
The self: individualism and collectivism and independent from their in-groups
Individualist cultures value independence. They promote their in-groups
personal ideals, strengths, and goals, pursued in competition Give priority to their Give priority to the goals
with others, leading to individual achievement and finding a personal goals of their in- of their ingroups
unique identity. groups
Behave on their basis of In-groups primarily shape
Collectivist cultures value interdependence. They promote attitudes rather than their behavior
group and societal goals and duties, and blending in with norms Behave in a communal
group identity, with achievement attributed to mutual way
support. Concerned in maintaining
relationship with others
Concept of Self Western and Eastern Thought
Western Eastern
Self is a social A gentleman by following the moral
construction which way consisting of the virtues of love,
WEEK NO: 10
is symbolically and righteousness, wisdom, propriety PHYSICAL SELF
signally created and loyalty in order to promote
between and harmony in society (Confucianism)
among social beings Physical self refers to the body which we interface with our
Phenomenological (Theravada) detachment and environment and fellow being. It is a tangible aspect of the
person that can be directly observed and examined.
GE 4-Understanding the Self | 1st semester, AY 2022-2023 8

People now days are too conscious on how they look. How
they see themselves in the mirror, how people will look at
them and what will people say about them. Our concept of
our self and the perception of people around us will always
have big effect on how we deal in a situation, cultural or not.
This discussion of Physical Self has found place on different
Schools of Psychology, like psychoanalysis, behaviorism,
humanism etc. For example:
 William James considered body as initial source of
sensation and necessary for the origin and
maintenance of personality. It is an element of
spiritual hygiene of supreme significance. For
example, a boxer during a fight, do not notice/feels
his wounds until the intensity of fight has subside.
 Sigmund Freud, In Psychoanalytical school,
construction of self and personality makes the
physical body the core of human experience.
 Wilhelm Reich argued that mind and body are one;
all psychological processes, he postulated, are a part
of physical processes, and vice versa
 According to Erik Erikson, the role of bodily organs is
especially important in early developmental stages
of a persons life. Later in life, the development of
physical as well as intellectual skills help determine
whether the individual will achieve a sense of
competence and ability to choose demanding roles
in confidence when they bigger, stronger, faster and
more capable of learning complex skills.
 Carl Jung, argued that the physical body and the
external world can be known only as psychological
experiences.
 B.F. Skinner, says that the role of the body is of
primary importance.
Self – Esteem
People from different culture have opted to change their
features in attempt to meet the cultural standards of beauty,
as well as their religious and/or social obligations. They
modify and adorn their bodies as part of the part of complex
process of creating and re-creating their personal and social
identity to be accepted by society and to be able to accept
them self. This includes body painting, tattooing, jewelries
and adornments. Youth in present time are too conscious of
their physical attributes that they are not confident to face
the day without makeup.
As our physical self, dictates how we act in front of other
people it also defines how we will manage our self-esteem.
Yet, this self-esteem is vital on how we form positive and
healthy relationships with people around us. We have
different kinds of self-esteem; The Inflated Self-Esteem (this
people holds high regards of themselves. Better than the
other to the point of under estimating them), High Self-
Esteem(this is a positive self-esteem, which make the person
be satisfied of themselves) and Low Self-Esteem (this person
do not value themselves and do not trust their possibilities).
GE 4-Understanding the Self | 1st semester, AY 2022-2023
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Most of the times, this self-esteem are define by what
physical attributes they have. Beauty as define by the society,
culture or traditions, is what matter to the person.
An individual undergoes definite stages of development. In
each phase, the child experiences certain developmental
characteristics to prepare him/her for the next.
Achieving Physical Well-Being
1. Eat Healthy Foods
2. Maintain a Healthy lifestyle
3. Follow Proper Hygiene
4. Engage in Daily Exercise
5. Take Vitamins and drink fruit juices
6. Avoid Stress
7. Spend less Time in front of computers and gadgets.
WEEK NO: 11-12
Sexual Self
As we come to understand the beauty of physical self, it
is also proper to learn to understand the sexual self.
As psychoanalytical theory states that physical body is the
core of human experience as form of construction of self
and personality. Freud maintained that nature of the
conflicts among id, ego and superego changes overtime as a
person grows from child to adult. There are psychosexual
stages that focus: oral, anal, phallic and genital. Thus, these
stages are directly related to different physical center of
pleasure.
To fully appreciate sexual self, it is necessary to understand
human reproductive system, erogenous zone, and human
sexual behavior.
Understanding Basic of Sexual Behavior
Human Sexual behavior is complex and complicated, thus, it
is not at all different from other species (Feldman, 2010). To
illustrate; men sexual behavior can occur at any time, by
being arouse to certain stimuli. At puberty, the testes begin
to secrete androgens (male sex hormones) which produces
secondary sex characteristics like growth of bodily hair and
change in tone of voice. Female sexual behavior starts at
puberty where the two ovaries begin to produce estrogens
and progesterone (female sex hormones). This stage of
puberty for female occurs in cyclical manner where also
brought changes. While for nonhuman, period of ovulation is
only when the ovulation occurs to the female specie is
receptive to sex.
Human reproductive system is an organ system by which
reproduce and bear live offspring. It requires the union
between the male and female reproductive system to which
carries out to produce another life form. Provided that all
9

organs are present, human reproductive system works from
the released of egg cell from female reproductive organ, to
the fertilization of sperm cells, to the conception, up to the
giving birth of the baby and eventually to the return of the
female physical body to the original state. (Harrison, 2018)
Physiological Aspects of Sexual Excitement
Erogenous Zone
These are part of the body that particularly sensitive to touch,
pressure and vibration which contributes to sexual arousal.
Identifying erogenous zone (“hot spots”) gives different
reaction and effect to a person. For one, these could bring
sexual satisfaction, also, improves sexual health and
stimulating different spots may produce different reaction to
the body. Female and male erogenous zone are reproductive
organ (vagina, penis, scrotum & clitoris), mouth (lips), neck,
breast (nipples) and ears.
Phases of Sexual Response
Although, erogenous zone brings us to sexual arousal which is
unique to each individual, people shares same basic aspects
of sexual responsiveness. According to Johnson & Master
(1966), sexual response follows a regular pattern consisting of
four (4) phases: arousal, plateau, orgasm and resolution.
1. The arousal phase is a subjective sense of sexual
pleasure. The physiological sign in males is penile
tumescence (erection) and vasocongestion to female
leads to vaginal lubrication and nipple erection.
2. The plateau phase is a brief period of time before
the orgasm. It is the body’s preparation for orgasm.
3. The orgasm phase is an intense, highly pleasurable
experience. When this phase is reached, rhythmic
muscular contractions occur in the genitals. In male,
the contractions expel semen, a fluid containing
sperm, a process called ejaculation. For women and
men, breathing and heart rates reach maximum.
4. Last stage of sexual arousal, the resolution stage
where the decrease of arousal (particularly in male)
happens. Genitals resume their unaroused state and
shape; blood pressure, breathing and heart rate
return to normal.
Understanding the Chemistry of Lust, Attraction, and
Attachment.
Lust- is characterized by the desire for sexual gratification
which is inherent to every living organism.
Attraction-is characterized by intense attention given to a
desired partner.
Stages driven by chemicals and hormones.
1. Adrenaline- is released by the body for “fight” or
“fight”. For instance, after surprisingly meeting one’s
object of affection, this hormone will activate one’s
stress response such as sweating and drying of the
mouth.
2. Dopamine- ignites an intense rush of pleasure when
release. High level of neurotransmitter like
GE 4-Understanding the Self | 1st semester, AY 2022-2023
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dopamine causes increased energy, less need for
food and sleep, and focused attention to one’s
desired partner.
3. Serotonin- is attributed to “falling in love” as this
hormone makes a person think of his or her desired
partner at most times.
Diversity of Sexual Behavior
Sexual behavior transcends in different forms. It may be
influenced by not only the basic physiological aspect of
sexuality but also by different expectations, attitudes, beliefs
and state of medical and biological knowledge. It made sexual
behavior take a more diverse forms such as heterosexuality,
homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality.
 Heterosexuality-Is a sexual attraction and behavior
directed to other sex. More than male-female
intercourse, it involves kissing, petting, caressing,
massaging and other form of sexual activities.
 Homosexuality and Bisexuality-Homosexuals is a
romantic and/or sexual attraction between members
of same sex. Bisexuals are person who can be
romantically or sexually attracted to same sex and
the other sex. Some male homosexuals prefer the
term Gay and some female homosexual prefer the
term Lesbian. Gays and Lesbian as preference for a
terminology refer not only to their sexual preference
but also as Gender preference. These by which refer
to a broader array of attitudes and lifestyle of the
individual than the sexuality itself.
 Transsexuality-These are people who believed they
were born with the body of the other gender. Men
transsexuals believe that they are men in a women’s
body and women transsexuals believe that they are
women in a men’s body. Transsexuals sometimes
seek sex exchange operations, which undergo
several steps such as intensive sexual counseling,
hormone injections, living as member of desired sex
for several years, surgery.
 Transgenderism-These are people who view
themselves as a third gender, they are transvestites
(who wears clothes of the other gender) or those
who believed that traditional male-female
classifications inadequately characterized them.
 Masturbation- This is a sexual act of stimulating
one’s own genitals done alone by an individual. Both
men and women masturbate although some studies
say that men do the act more often women do.
 Premarital Sex- This refers to the activities people
engage in outside of marriage. For certain religions,
this is considered unacceptable for there is a belief
that it is only through marriage that man and woman
could partake in sexual activities.
 Marital Sex- These are the sexual activities that
happen within the bounds of marriage is perceived
to be a legal and symbolic binding of two people
who agree to only be with each other.
10

 Extramarital Sex- These are sexual activities that
married people engage in with people they are not
married to.
 Bisexuality- This refers to sexual behavior of one
who engages in sexual acts with someone from the
opposite or same sex.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases- refer to health conditions
that are passed on from a person to another through sexual
contact.
1. HIV/AIDS-a spectrum of conditions caused by being
infected with HIV. HIV is primarily transmitted
through unprotected sex, contaminated needle
exchange and blood transfusions and during
pregnancy.
2. Gonorrhea- a bacterial infection of the mucous
membranes including the eye, throat, genitals, and
other organs.
3. Syphilis- an infection caused by corkscrew-shaped
bacterium called Treponema pallidum that is
transmitted through direct contact with a syphilitic
sore on the skin.
4. Genital herpes- is a viral infection that causes
blisters on the genitals. It also causes itching and a
burning sensation on the skin.
5. Genital warts- are warts causes by the human
papillomavirus that grows in the genital or anal area.
6. Chancroid- is a bacterial infection that causes sores
ulcers on the genitals.
7. Pubic Lice- are very small parasites that infest the
genital area which are primarily spread through
sexual contact.
8. Scabies- is a skin condition that is caused by
manifestation of tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabied.
9. Trichomoniasis-an infection caused by a parasite
called Trichomonas vaginalis- Men infected with
trichomoniasis may experience itching, genital
irritation with discharge, and painful urination and
ejaculation
10. Molluscum contagiosum-another sexually
transmitted infection caused by molluscum
contagiosum virus. It is a skin condition
characterized by small lumps which are pearly-white
or slightly pink.
11. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease- it is not a sexually
transmitted infection but a complication resulting
from STI’s especially Chlamydia and gonorrhea.
12. Chlamydia- a sexually transmitted infection caused
by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis that do
significant damage to the human reproductive
system.
Natural and Artificial Method of Contraception
As overpopulation and countless cases of Sexually
Transmitted Disease (STD) such as gonorrhea, syphilis etc.,
along with the threat of Acquired Immuno Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS), the government educates people the
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importance of Contraception. There are two kinds of
contraception; the Natural Contraception and the Artificial
Contraception.
Natural Contraception are type of birth control that depend
with observations on woman’s body through monitoring and
recording different fertility signals during her menstrual cycle.
Through there different methods one may predict when it is
safe or when a woman will more likely to get pregnant. These
may be in a form of abstinence, calendar method, basal body
temperature method, cervical mucus method,
symptothermal method, ovulation detection, lactation
amenorrhea method and coitus interruptus.
Artificial Method is diverse method of contraception using to
prevent conception of a woman. There are different types of
artificial contraception but not all types are appropriate for all
situation. Using artificial contraception depends on the
individual’s health status, age, sexual activity and/or number
of partners. These are oral contraception, transdermal patch,
vaginal ring, subdermal implants, hormonal injection,
Intrauterine device (IUD), chemical barriers, diaphragm,
cervical cap, male and female condoms, surgical methods
(vasectomy and tubal ligation).
Natural Method of Contraception
Abstinence-Most effective way of birth control. Done thru
abstaining from sexual intercourse. It is also the most
effective way to avoid STIs.
Calendar Method-Also called as the Rhythm Method. It
involves avoiding coitus during the days that the woman is
fertile.
Basal Body Temperature-BBT is the woman’s body
temperature at rest. Done by monitoring the changes in the
woman’s temperature every morning before any activity. A
slight increase and decrease in her temperature will be her
sign of ovulation (fertile). This period the woman must
abstain from mating for the next three days.
Cervical Mucus Method-Here the basis is the changes in the
cervical mucus during the ovulation. According to this
method a woman is fertile when the cervical mucus is profuse
and watery. During this time she must avoid coitus during this
days.
Symptothermal Method-It is a combination of Basal Body
Temperature (BBT) and Cervical Mucus Method.
Ovulation Detection-It is an over-the-counter kit that
requires a urine specimen to detect the Luteinizing Hormone
(LH) to predict ovulation.
Lactation Amenorrhea Method-This is exclusive for
breastfeeding woman. Thus, it should be noted that the
woman is advise to choose other method after period of
11

three months or if the mother is not exclusively breastfeeding
or is using formula drink for the baby.
Coitus Interruptus-The oldest method of contraception. This
is where the couple proceeds with coitus but the moment he
ejaculates, the men withdraw before emit spermatozoa
outside of the vagina.
Artificial Method of Contraception
Folk Method
a. Postcoital Douche or Douching- Douching is a
method used by women to flush out the vagina with
a medicinal solution to remove or destroy the
sperm.
b. Prolonged Lactation- This technique used by women
is done through breast feeding their baby for a
longer period. Prolonged lactation, according to
doctors, help delay ovulation.
Oral Contraception-It is known as the “Pill”. Contains
synthetic estrogen and progesterone. It is recommended to
take the pill on the first Sunday after the beginning of the
menstrual flow.
Transdermal patch-It is a patch applied in the following
areas; upper outer arm, upper torso, abdomen or buttocks
for three weeks.
Vaginal Ring-Releases a combination of estrogen and
progesterone and surrounds the cervix. It remains in there for
3 weeks. It was removed on the fourth week as menstrual
period flows. The woman becomes fertile as soon as the ring
is removed.
Subdermal Implants-It is a two rod-like implants under the
skin of the woman during her menstruation or on the 7th day
of her menstruation to make sure that she will not get
pregnant. It contains etonogestrel, desogestrel and progestin.
Have a 1% failure
Hormonal Injections-This injection prevents ovulation and
cause change in the cervical mucus. It has an almost 100%
effectiveness. And one of the most popular choice for birth
control.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)- It is a small T-shaped object
inserted in uterus thru vagina to prevent fertilization. It is
done only by a physician right after the woman’s
menstruation to be sure that she is not pregnant.
Chemical Barriers-These are used to cause death of the
sperm before it can enter the cervix of the woman. These are
spermicides, vaginal gels and creams, and glycerin films.
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Diaphragm-Inhibits the entrance of into the vagina. It should
not be left in place for more than 24hours to avoid irritation.
It has a failure rate of 16%
Condoms-Male Condom is a synthetic rubber sheath that is
placed in the erect penis before penetration to avoid the
sperm to enter the vagina during the ejaculation
Female Condom is also a synthetic rubber placed against the
vaginal opening to prevent the sperm to enter the vaginal
during the ejaculation.
Surgical Methods
Vasectomy is a procedure done to male through small
incision made on each side of the scrotum to block the
passage of sperms.
Tubal Ligation is a procedure done to female through cutting,
cauterizing, or blocking the fallopian tube to inhibit the
passage of both sperm and the ova.
WEEK NO: 13
Material Self
William James, Also known as the father of American
Psychology identified various components of the Empirical
self, one of which is what he called a Material Self. According
to James, that Man’s “Material self” is not only consisting of
his own body but also includes the different things he possess
from ones family, friends, as well as things such as, ones
clothes, house, cars, gadgets, end even the amount of money
he has in the bank.
In James’ idea of the Material Self, One defines themselves
and at the same time is being defined by the people they are
acquainted with along with the accumulation of objects and
achievements that a person acquired from the different
endeavors and experiences in life. For example, a person can
identify themselves as a singer not only from their own
beliefs that they can sing, we can also consider factors such
as if other people also says that he or she can sing, if he or
she belongs to a family of singers, have trophies and awards
relating to singing (winning a singing contest), or works as a
singer in a band or in a concert hall.
The losing of such objects or people will render one feel that
apart of him was also lost at the same time, for example, in
cases of death in the family, losing a business that a person
have invested for his entire life, sudden inability to play music
because of an accident. Also, the time a person died his
12

possessions and associations with other people will be the
only objects that will remind the world of who that person
were.
So we represent ourselves through clothes, the gadgets we
wear, the friends we have and the things that we do. All of
these contribute to whether we are accepted or not in the
world we live in. With this in mind, the choices that we make
in order to achieve the recognition of others depends not
only on our own capabilities but more so on the value we and
the other people give to what we have or can acquire. For
example, now the things like having an iPhone, drinking
coffee at Starbucks, or buying branded clothes maybe used as
a manifestation of a good social standing it may not be similar
to owning a company, having a house at an exclusive
subdivision but the former are much easier to acquire and
achieve than the latter.
Having the ability to find the things that will define yourself
that will persist through time, were your life and
achievements both defines who you are and what you are
capable of and at the same time provide you with the
direction and knowledge on what to prioritize will result to a
more cohesive and easier establishment of who you are as a
person and what you want to be in life.
WEEK NO: 14
Spiritual Aspect of Self
William James’ take on spiritual self which is included to the
other empirical selves is defined as the inner most workings
of the persons mind, the behavior, beliefs and even morals
that involves every aspect of the human as a person.
Considering the will of the person, how they distinguish
between right and wrong and also one’s intellect are some of
the manifestation of the spiritual self of a person. According
to James (1890) people will find more satisfaction in having
been able to show of the spiritual self like their intelligence,
to have their wishes be done, and to act upon their
conscience than to count or show their possession, because
he said that the spiritual self “is the most enduring and
intimate part of the self”.
Manifestations of the Spiritual Self
Person’s Will – Refers to one’s wishes, these are the things
that we want to see and achieve in our lives.
Intelligence and abilities – these are the perceived strengths
of a person, the things that they have confidence in doing and
believe to have a certain level of mastery of
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Morals – it is the definition of what is right and wrong,
distinguishing the things that are acceptable for a person, the
society and at the same time the determination of the
possible effects of their actions to themselves, their
environment and other people.
Values – is the person’s ability to distinguish what is
important and what is not. With one’s values system a
person may be able to prioritize what they think are the tasks
or things that the need, what are things that should be done
or resolve immediately and what are those that they can
delay without grave repercussions.
With these in mind, the establishment of a person’s notion of
what is good, as well as, their ability to not only be able to
stand on what they think is the right thing to do but to be
able to make life decisions based on such beliefs is what
William James consider as the manifestation of a person’s
spiritual self.
People will act according to how they feel, what they believe
in and what they want to do or happen, but having the
inability to understand that there may be some difference on
how others perceive and conflict may arise, since Williams
also posits that if the one’s beliefs, abilities as well as
emotions are being criticized a person may feel that they are
being questioned as a whole which will result to negative
reactions. For example, people tend to criticize other people
that are different from them (religion, race, gender, etc.)
these criticisms may elevate to bigger problems such as
discrimination or division of groups, but if we think carefully
we cannot expect others to believe what we believe in, one
cannot expect others to have the skills that they have, and an
individual cannot expect others to be able to think exactly like
him, then we will have an easier time to create an
environment that promotes the individuality of every
members of the society.
The Practice of RELIGION:
Belief in Supernatural Being and Power
Religion refers to beliefs and behaviors related to
supernatural beings and powers.
Worldview refers to the collective body of ideas that
members of a culture generally share concerning the ultimate
shape and substance of their reality.
Spirituality-concern with the sacred in an individual manner.
Difference between Religion and Spirituality
RELIGION SPIRITUALITY
Religion is an organized Concern with the sacred,
system of ideas about as distinguished from
spiritual reality, or the material matters. In
supernatural, along with contrast to religion,
associated beliefs and spirituality is often
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ceremonial practices individual rather than the body, the person will be awake. Dungan is also connoted
(Haviland, 2007). collective and does not as “willpower”. If a person has a strong willpower, is it said to
require a distinctive format have a strong dungan (Magos, 1986).
or traditional organization
(Haviland, 2007). Rituals and Ceremonies
Rituals in the Philippines are quite common. Visayan fishing
villages practice the offering ritual called harang. A local
shaman invokes sea-spirits. There are several stages of the
ritual purification, invocation, entreaty and feast which cover
Myth, Rituals and Supernatural community life such as harvest, operation of fishing boats and
MYTH RITUALS SUPERNATURAL cases of illnesses (Kawada, 1996).
A sacred Culturally The supernatural
narrative that prescribed is around you all General Features of Harang Ritual
explains the symbolic act or of the time, Purification of the Place
fundamentals of procedure especially in (tuob)
human existence designed to non-
—where we and guide members industrialized Invocation of Spirits
everything in our of a community societies (pagtawag)
world came in an orderly way
from, why we through personal Explanation of Motivation, Request & Entreaty
are here, and and collective (pangamuyo)
where we are transitions.
going. Offering Communion
(bayad)
Two types: In a lot of
calendric and cultures, health,
Feast
crisis. wealth and daily
(kan-on)
things are
related to
supernatural. WEEK NO: 15
Functions of Religion POLITICAL ASPECT OF SELF
Cognitive Function
Enabling humans to explain the unexplainable phenomena. Developing a Filipino Identity: Values, Traits, Community and
Institutional Factors
Social Function
Social control, conflict resolution and building group solidarity Collective action, shared vision, means of sustainable future
and the link to generation has been crucial in the construction
Emotional Function of identity and sense of belonging in the democratic
Helping individuals to cope up with anxieties that often standpoint. On the other hand, in the socio psychological
accompany illness, accidents, death and other misfortunes perspective, citizenship or being a Filipino serves a cognitive
and motivational basis for ones beliefs and behavior. Thus,
The Concept of “Dungan” – Spirit or Soul enhancing the practice of citizenship and democracy is crucial
to the awareness and understanding of self and community.
Two dimensions;
(1) human body and (2)spiritual Three Major Concerns in Building an Identity
The level of individual, community and institution are primary
The Concept of “Dungan” – Spirit or Soul factors that come into play in the building an identity. At the
same time, it is essential to consider the following concerns in
Soul referred to as kaluluwa by the Tagalogs or dungan by building an identity:
the Ilonggos comes from the root word duwa, two. The
dungan is not seen by the human eye, it takes on a different 1. Instrumental - An individual act in accordance with
form. For instance, it can be in a form an insect or a small rules and identities consistent with supportive of
animal such as lizard. The Bisayans believe that the dungan democratic processes.
leaves the body while person is asleep. Travelling dungan 2. Morals - Values and beliefs embody and reinforce
outside the body must be free from accidents such as getting democratic principles.
trapped in a jar. Only when the soul has safely reunited with

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3. Transformative - Includes process of self-reflection
and redefinition of individuals, institutions and
communities.
Man as Political Animal
According to Aristotle, man is a ”political animal”. That refers
to the intrinsic desire of every human being to lead or govern.
Political Culture
Political Culture is the pattern of individual attitudes and
orientation towards politics among members of a political
system.
Characteristics of Philippine Political Culture
1. Dominance of family ties or kinship system- In local
government units such as the municipality or
barangay, big clans dominate the political area.
Political dynasties usually control the government.
2. Euphemism- Officials and employees in lower
positions are not frank or straightforward in
criticizing officials of higher rank. They use parinig or
patutsada instead of confronting the offcials to
immediately address the problems or issues in their
area.
3. Utang na Loob- Filipinos feel obliged to repay
immediately or in the future any faor they receive
from another person.
4. Sense of overdependency- Some constituents rely
on an elected official or a “patron” politician for their
personal and economic needs.
5. Belief that majority of politicians are corrupt- The
term buwaya has been used to describe corrupt
politicians in the Philippines signifying their greed for
money and power.
6. Lack of political maturity- People elect officials
based on popularity and personality and not on
performance and platform.
ASPECTS IN DEVELOPING FILIPINO IDENTITY
Individual Attitudes and Traits
 Dualism of Filipino Traits (negative and positive)
• Colonial/Accommodative Surface Values (hiya,
utang na loob, pakikisama)
• Confrontative Surface Values (bahala na,
sama/lakas ng loob, pakikibaka)
• Pivotal Interpersonal Value (pakikiramdam)
• Linking/Socio-Personal Value (kagandahang-loob)
• Associated Societal Values (karangalan,
katarungan, kalayaan)
• 4. Honesty- It means telling the truth, hiding nothing,
Institutional Factors
• Family
• Church
• School
• Media
• Government
• NGOs
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• People’s organization
Macro-Factors at the Societal Level
• Immediate community with which one readily
identifies one’s self
• Less intimate grouping of which one is a member
Establishing a Democratic Culture
Sense of community and public good and empowerment of
people are central questions to consider in the development
of democracy agenda. The following frameworks were used
as a guide in the development of action agenda. According to
Diokno 1999, in her article Becoming a Filipino Citizen,
Perspective on Citizenship and Democracy, the agenda was
crafted in September 1996 conference in which perceptions
of citizenship and democracy from different standpoints were
discussed.
Ideal Citizen
Citizenship denotes the status of being a legal member of a
nation-state. Anyone can easily claim that he or she is a
citizen of a nation. The most basic identification with the
nation and as such, is oriented towards the state and its
expressions in law and policy. Possesses qualities of honesty,
loyalty to the larger community, collective pride and national
identity.
Governance
Governance is defined as the traditions and institutions that
determine how authority is exercise in a particular country.
This includes:
 The process by which governments are selected,
held accountable, monitored, and replaced.
 The capacity of governments to manage resources
efficiently and formulate, implement, and enforce
sound policies and regulations.
 The respect of citizens and the state for the
institutions that govern economic and social
interactions among them.
Good Governance
These principles can also be applied in the Philippine setting:
1. Selflessness- It means caring for what the people
need and want instead of promoting personal
interests. Public service is nothing else but serving
the people.
2. Objectivity- It means being neutral and free from
biases in making decisions. The law must be applied
as it is. Decisions must be based on verifiable data
and evidences for transparency and impartiality.
3. Integrity- It means maintaining a good name and
character. Public officials and employees must be the
epitome of obedience to laws.
and being transparent at all times. Ex: The
submission of SALN is required by law under Article
XI Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution and Section 8
of Republic Act No. 6713, the “Code of Conduct and
Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,”
5. Accountability-It means being liable and responsible
for one’s actions.
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6. Openness- It means being transparent with
whatever information one handles.
7. Leadership- It means being able to lead the way for
development that would benefit all.
Filipino Values
Positive Filipino Values
1. Bayanihan- As a practice of the spirit of kinship and
camaraderie, the custom of bayanihan is observed
whenever a helping hand is extended to accomplish
a task as a group.
2. Damayan- Filipinos always extend sympathy for
people especially for those who lost their loved ones
or who were victims of calamities.
3. Familism or Closed Family Ties- Filipinos are known
to prioritize the welfare of family members above
other things.
4. Optimism- Filipinos have the attitude of looking all
ways to be happy and to maintain a positive outlook
even in times of calamities and other challenges in
life.
5. Hospitality- Filipinos are identified to be warm,
friendly, generous, and accommodating to other
people, an, fellow Filipino or not.
6. Regionalism- Outside the “significant others”,
Filipinos have this attitude of giving more priority to
their provincemate.
7. Flexibility- Filipinos have the ability to adapt or
conform to the expectations or will of other people
to achieve smooth and harmonious relationships.
8. Religious- This is characterized by strong faith and
submission to the will of a supreme being.
9. Respect for Elders- Filipinos are thought to show
courtesy towards the elderly at all times. This is
manifested in the act of pagmamano and saying po
and opo when talking to someone older as sign of
respect.
10. Remedyo Attitude- Filipinos are known for being
creative and resourceful. This is characterized by
their ability to find usefulness in things that may
already be considered as junk by others.
11. Matiyaga- Filipinos are known for their grit and
strong determination in every undertaking.
12. Utang na Loob- This is a feeling of gratitude,
recognition of one’s indebtedness, and obligation to
repay someone who has extended assistance to
another.
Negative Filipino Values
1. Bahala na Attitude- This is a Filipino trait of leaving
to fate and luck the outcome of a certain
undertaking, hence the expression bahala na.
2. Colonial Mentality or Blue-seal Mentality- It is a
Filipino value of giving high regard to foreign
products and treating the local as inferior and low
quality.
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3. Crab Mentality- It is a Filipino attitude born out of
jealousy and insecurity characterized by an attempt
to pull down those who are ahead of them in life.
4. Euphemistic- This is a Filipino attitude of not being
frank and straightforward so as not to offend or hurt
another person.
5. Filipino Time- This manifests among Filipinos
through lack of punctuality.
6. Gaya- gaya Attitude- This is a Filipino trait of copying
or imitating others’ work, product, type of business,
fashion, and the likes.
7. Jackpot Mentality- This is characterized by an
“instant millionaire” mentality of some Filipinos who
would rather enagage in fast ways of acquiring
money by betting in lottery, participating in a
contest, and sending entries in raffle draws rather
than working hard to have a better life.
8. Belief in Kapalaran- It is a Filipino trair of believing
and accepting that one’s fate is already written in
the stars.
9. Manana Habit- Manana, from the phrase mamaya
na means “I’ll do it later,” is an attitude of Filipinos
characterized by stalling on doing tasks instead of
doing the immediately.
10. Ningas Kugon- This is characterized by the attitude
of being enthusiastic only at the beginning of an
endeavor. This is usually observed in some
politicians who are only good at the start of their
term but gradually disappear when public concerns
start to pile up.
11. Oversensitivity- It is the inability of some Filipinos to
withstand and accept criticism or negative
comments.
12. Pakikisama- It is a Filipino attitude of always
adhering or submitting to the will of the group they
are part of.
13. Lack of Sportsmanship- It is an attitude of Filipinos
manifested in how they cannot seem to accept
defeat. They would rather believe that they were
cheated on than accept that they were defeated.
14. Tsamba Lang Attitude- It is an attitude characterized
by the refusal to take the credit for one’s own
accomplishments, instead owing it to charm and
luck.
WEEK NO: 16
Digital Self
I, Me and Myself and My User ID online
Digital self is a we put on to draw in the innovative world.
With the digital technologies such as web pages, online
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games, virtual worlds, social media, smart phones, Internet,
self-extension is extensive. Objects that one’s possess can
truly extend the self, as when an instrument or weapon
enables us to get things done of which we would somehow or
another be unable. Belonging can likewise emblematically
extend self. Sartre explained that the reason we want to have
something is to enlarge our sense of self and that the only
way we can know who we are is by observing what we have.
Belk (1988) presented the concept of the extended self: (1)
Dematerialization, (2) Re-embodiment, (3) Sharing, (4) Co-
construction of Self, and (5) Distributed memory.
This reasonable refresh looks to renew the idea, consolidate
the effects of digitization, and give a comprehension of
consumer feeling of self in the present innovative condition.
It is essentially a work in advance, for the computerized
condition and our conduct inside it keep on evolving. Be that
as it may, some vital changes are now certain. Five changes
with advanced utilization are viewed as that effect the idea of
self and the idea of belonging. Required alterations and
increments to the extended self are laid out, and bearings for
future research are recommended. The advanced world
opens a large group of new implies for self-extension utilizing
numerous new items to come to an incomprehensibly more
extensive crowd. Despite the fact that this requires certain
reformulations, the fundamental idea of the extended self
stays crucial.
What not to Post Online
1. Sexy or revealing pictures- These kinds of photos
should be kept in private for security reasons. Some
people may take advantage of these photos and
spread them without the knowledge of the original
owner.
2. Pictures or videos showing private moments with
loved ones- Even if sometimes people are too showy
of their feelings towards their loved ones, kissing
and intimate moments and activities must be kept in
private and should not be divulged in online
platforms.
3. Pictures or videos showing bad habits- Some
examples of these are pictures showing a person
drinking liquor and being intoxicated, smoking
cigarettes, and gambling.
4. Negative comments on another person’s attitudes-
It is indecent to post negative comments and
announce to the world what you think of another
person’s attitudes. It is unfair and damaging to
another person’s attitudes.
5. Posts announcing conflicts with other people- As
the saying goes, “Do not wash dirty linen in public.”
Conflicts with other people cannot be resolved by
posting about them online. The best way of resolving
these conflict is to face them without any screens in
between.
6. Posts of the results of a particular competition with
the names of defeated participants. While everyone
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has the right to brag about his or her achievement or
success, it is indecent to display and inform the
world the failure of another person. It can be
damaging to people’s reputation and it can also
impact their psychological well-being.
7. Comments showing strong opposition to certain
issues- Any individual is free to express his or her
ideas and opinions on a certain topic or issue but
sometimes it may offend people or worst, it can
even lead to earning an enemy.
8. Comments with foul, vulgar, indecent, and
offensive words. Even if a negative comment was
first thrown at you, it does not mean that it is
acceptable to counter attack through harsh words.
9. Pictures or videos revealing one’s financial status.
One must be careful in revealing anything about his
or her finances for it may put him or her at security
risk.
10. Pictures or videos showing family trips- Post
revealing too much information about family
gatherings may also pose security risks for it may
attract unwanted attention from criminals.
11. Pictures or videos displaying one doing good deeds.
While doing good deeds can be a moment to be
proud of, it is misleading to take photos of such
deeds for it tends to focus more on the doer of the
good deed instead of the deed itself.
12. Pictures or videos in Hospitals. It is both unethical
and illegal to take photos in hospitals. Whether it is
just a photo of a part of hospital or of a patient that
is your relative, taking of photos in hospitals is
against the law.
13. Posts of every single thing you do. Social Media is
not a diary where you can write down every single
thing that happens to you everyday. People who
announce in social media every detail of their daily
activities may show or tell the world that they lack
self-esteem.
Dichotomies of the Self
There are three crucial domains where traditional boundaries
between the dichotomies of self become increasingly blurred.
These domains are producer or consumer, offline versus
online and body versus technology.
1. Producer or Consumer. Do your material
possessions define who you are? There is a 16 year
old young lady who is very into K-pop culture. At first
glance, the girl may not easily be identified as a
Filipino because from head to toe, she adapts the
material culture of her favorite K-pop stars. To some
people, one’s material possession define one’s
identity.
2. Offline versus Online. Will there be a consistency
between what is seen online and what is perceived
offline.
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3. Body vs Technology. Technology and consumerism
allow people to easily redefine and recreate
themselves
Are you a Responsible Netizen?
Here are some of the issues that one needs to address if one
to be seen as responsible netizen.
1. Sharing Fake News-As the famous saying goes,
“Think before you click.”
2. Cyberbullying- People bully other people online
because the feel that they can do so as online
interaction is different from face-to-face or personal
interaction.
3. Sharing Viruses. Some social media share viruses for
fun. Usually, these viruses present themselves as
pornographic content which makes users interested
in opening such malicious links.
Belk’s Summary of Digital Modification of the Extended Self
Dematerialization- Attachment to and singularization of
virtual possessions; almost, but not quite the same.
Re-embodiment-Avatars affect offline self; multiplicity of
selves. Attachment to avatars
Sharing- Self-revelation; loss of control. Aggregate
possessions; sense of shared place online.
Co-construction of self- Affirmation of self; building
aggregate extended self; “Attachment to Virtual Possessions
in Videogames”.
Distributed memory-Narratives of self. Digital clutter; digital
cues to sense of past
Selective Presentation and Impression Management
Self-presentation is behavior that attempts to convey some
information about oneself or some image of oneself to other
people. These behaviors are activated by the evaluative
presence of other people and by others' knowledge of one's
behavior. In new situations, many people would like to
impress and become self-conscious. People behave in ways
designed to create a favorable impression or even to one’s
ideals. Humans are social animals and regulate our behavior
to fit in world or adjust it to impression that we desire.
People monitor their behavior, observe how others react and
adjust their performance to create a desired impression.
Two Types of Self-Presentation
1. Pleasing the audience – This type of self-presentation
which try to match self to the audience's expectations and
preferences.
2. Self-construction – This type of self-presentation tries to
match oneself to one's own encompasses. The expression of
the audience-pleasing motive varies across situations.
Multiple Aspects of the Self
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Higgins (1987) argues that there are three domains of the
self: the actual self, the ideal self and the ought self.
1. Actual self – this refers to the narrat an individual
possesses.
2. Ideal self – this refers to the attributes an individual
would ideally possess.
3. Ought self – this refers to the attributes an individual
ought to possess.
According to Higgins, the discrepancies between the actual
self and ideal self leads to feelings of dejection. Our sense of
self helps organize our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Our
overall self-evaluation influences our cognitive processes. For
instance, when people with high self-evaluation fail, they
sustain their self-worth by looking at others failure.
Impact of Online Interaction on Self
Computer-Mediated Communication
Computer-mediated communication encompasses human
communication involving several exchange through various
platforms such as text, audio, and/or video messages. A CMC
interaction occurs through various types of networking
technology and software, including email, Internet Relay Chat
(IRC), instant messaging (IM), Usenet and mailing list servers.
An interesting discussion can stem from a comparison of how
we construct our identity in the “real world” versus how we
construct it in the online world. As Dutton (1996) points out,
that technology can work two ways – open or close social
choices. Individuals shape the impact of technology has on
their lives by choosing which technology to use and how to
use it.
Boundaries of Self Online
The line between offline and online self has become blurred.
Since people nowadays are becoming more connected
digitally, self-identity is becoming more fashioned in
transmedia paradigm. In the present culture of constant
connectivity, the Internet is coordinated into our lives with
the end goal that the experience of being on the web is
subjectively not quite the same as before.
WEEK NO: 17
MANAGING AND CARING FOR THE SELF
Learning to be a Better Student
As a person growth is an inevitable goal and change will
always be present in what we do. As such, for students, the
need to understand that just barely passing the different
subjects and graduating after is not necessarily the best
option for successfully landing your dream job, or becoming
successful in the world of work. It is also important to note
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that being a student does not necessarily mean that the only
thing you have to do is to read books, go to class, or prepare
and answer tests, these things may be the usual things
expected for a student to do in school, but understanding
that the preparation for real life endeavors may start in the
class room, but not necessarily end there.
In terms of having freedom in the classroom, there are
several things that needs to be noted, one of which is in the
freedom of the students towards their choices of what to
learn as well as how they are going to use such learning in
real life situations. Aside from having a good learning
environment where the needs of the students are being met,
the students should also understand the value of what they
are learning and why they are learning those (Kujjpers,
Meijers, Gundy, 2011).
To become a better student, several things are needed to be
done, aside from just listening from the discussions and
following the directions taught by the teachers a student
should be able to have a better understanding of what they
are doing, have the ability to recognize and sort the different
information that they are encountering, and to be able to
have a certain level of understanding on the concepts that
they are studying in which could result for better application
and appreciation of such learnings.
Tips to Become a Better Student
1. Prepare Before going to school
• Always try to research or read the next lesson, do
your assignments at home or before going to school,
eat and have proper rest before going to school.
• In preparation for school not only your
assignments, or making sure that you have all the
tools you need for class ready and prepared but to
also make sure to have your body prepared by
making sure to have enough rest and eating as to
ensure that you as a student have enough energy to
go through the entire day.
2. Use different Resources
• Aside from books provided for the class, don’t
forget to use the library, and the internet. Using
different resources will enable you as a student to
access more information and be able to learn the
latest learnings and information related to the
subject matter that you are studying.
3. Be Critical and make learning personal
• Know what you are learning, why you are learning
and how they are important to you and your plans in
life.
• By being critical to the information that you
acquire you will be able to appreciate more their
value and be able to apply and relate them to your
situation and let these learning help you to be able
to achieve your goals.
4. Ask Help
• The school may focus on the interaction between
the teachers and students but the institution is
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comprised of more than what or who are inside the
class room and the people in the school from the
guidance office, librarian, registrar, etc. and even
people outside the school such as your parents and
friends or other professionals can help you as a
student to break limitations, ease the difficulties that
is brought about by the requirements of the
curriculum.
5. Do other things
• The school provides co-curricular or extra-
curricular activities, join clubs, or school groups to
widen you experiences as a student. Not only can
you have better relationships which will translate to
more help in the future, but an active body and mind
that may or may not necessarily related to school
work can also help a student to balance their
lifestyle and maintain a healthy body and mind.
Taking Care of My Physical Self
Since the self is inseparable from the body, you should take
very good care of your physical self. Whether you plan to
lose, gain, or maintain weight, the most important thing to do
is to keep yourself fit. To achieve this goal, a rigid plan has to
be made.
Three Domains that Dominate the Self
Physical Domain- Includes coordination, strength, and well-
being.
Intellectual Domain-Includes alertness, analytical functioning,
logical analysis, memory or recall, and communication.
Emotional Domain-Includes creativity, sensitivity, mood,
perception, and awareness.
Personal Health Responsibility
Personal Health Responsibility involves participation in one’s
own health and healing plan through education and lifestyle
changes.
Balanced Diet To keep fit and healthy, one needs to have a
balanced diet.
Eating a balanced diet means consuming the right kind of
food at the right time and in the right proportion. One's food
intake should contain the necessary nutrients essential for
growth and survival. This practice prevents malnutrition and
diseases. It is also important to keep mealtimes pleasant and
enjoyable. Thus, an individual should be encouraged and
motivated to eat more nutritious food. It should also be
remembered that junk food must be avoided.
Water
• An individual should drink at least eight glasses of water
every day.
• It allows the body to function efficiently.
• It also washes away wastes to keep the skin clear and
healthy.
• With a high-protein diet, the body utilizes the water
properly and avoids water retention.
• Liquids such as coffee, tea, or milk should not be counted as
water.
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• Although they contain lots of water, there is also a build-up traumas, such as natural calamities, military
of caffeine, acid, or fat. combats, terrorist attacks, accidents, and physical
and sexual abuse.
Sleep 2. Life changes and strains- include separation of
• Sleep gives the bones, muscles, and the mind time to parents, illness in the family, change of workplace,
recover. transfer of domicile, and other circumstances that
• An individual needs eight or more hours of sleep a day. demand people to adjust.
• One very important requirement for a refreshing sleep is a 3. Chronic Problems-exist for a long period which
firm mattress. If one sleeps in a slumped, uncomfortable include circumstances such as suffering from a
position in a mattress that is too soft, body aches may serious illness, having irresponsible neighbors, and
develop. A soft and lumpy mattress should be replaced with a failure to acquire a lucrative or high-income job.
firmer one. 4. Everyday hassles- are irritations, pressures, and
• Another way to improve bed is to raise the lower part of annoyances that may not be significant stressors by
the mattress so as to elevate to elevate the feet. It is an ideal themselves but whose cumulative effect can be
position because the blood flows back to the heart and away significant.
from the feet. Coping with Stress
• Moreover, sleeping on one stomach can help prevent  Problem-focused coping method- involves an
varicose veins from developing as well as other circulatory attempts to change or lifetime sources of stress
problems.  Emotion-focused coping method is aimed at
controlling the negative emotional consequences of
Nutrients stressor.
Carbohydrates-For supplying heat and energy to the body
Starchy food, bread, rice, tuber, cereals, and their products Stress Effect on the Body
• Muscle Tension
Protein-For building and repairing broken or worn-out tissues • Tension-type headache and migraine headache
Legumes and by-products: meat, fish, poultry, and by-
products; milk and milk products. • Difficulty in breathing
• Asthma
Fats-For maintaining heat and energy for body • Increased heartrate
Margarine, nuts, oil, butter, cheese, and by products
• Stronger contraction of the heart muscle
Vitamins and Minerals-For healthy skin and hair, as well as • Elevated blood pressure
for aiding the normal functioning of the body • Heart attack
All kinds of fruits and vegetables; internal organs like liver,
• Stroke
gizzard, spleen, etc.
• Inflammation of the respiratory system
Stressors and Reponses • Elevated epinephrine and cortisol hormones
Stress is person’s response to events that threaten them. A
• Uncontrolled blood glucose level
student can experience various kinds of deadline from
deadline of projects or exam, family problem, peer pressure • Heartburn or acid reflux
to the complex stress such as ever changing environment or • Ulcer
terrorist attack. Even the pleasant events, such as preparing
• Severe stomach pain
for a party or starting a sought-after job can produce stress.
In recent years, focus on this issue has been broadened as • Diarrhea
psychology came to see stress and coping in broader context. • Constipation
Health Psychology, a newer subfield of psychology,
• Increased respiration rate
investigates the psychological factors such as stress of
different kind and in different situation. It also includes • Dilated blood vessel in the arms and legs
coping mechanism, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. • Affects testosterone production
• Sperm production
Bad Stress or distress is the opposite of eustress.
Distress occurs when there is a tension buildup which • Erectile dysfunction
becomes unbearable and difficult to cope with. • Absent or irregular menstrual cycle
A Stressor is any event that compels a person to adjust or • Difficult premenstrual symptoms
change.
Stressors that are described unpleasant and life-threatening. The Need for Self-care and Self-compassion
1. Catastrophic events and life-threatening
experiences- are abrupt unforeseen experiences or
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Self-care refers to all activities that a person does to maintain
and improve his or her physical, psychological, emotional,
social, and spiritual well-being.
Physical self-care includes all the activities that one does to
maintain and improve his or her physical well-being like
consistently sleeping for at least eight hours, drinking eight
glasses of water, eating healthy and nutritious food, taking
vitamins, and exercising.

Stress and Filipinos: The Social and Cultural Dimension of

Stress
Stress is the irritationsspecific response of the body to any
demand placed upon it (Selye, 1926).Stress is an individual’s
physiological and/or psychological reaction to the real and
imagined demands of life. It is the way a person reacts
physically and emotionally to change.

On 70 the other hand, culture is best defined as a highly

complex, continually changing system of meaning that is
learned, shared, transmitted and altered from one generation
to another (Triandis, 1995). How does culture might influence
environmental system, personal system, transitory
conditions, cognitive appraisal and coping skills, and health
and well-being?

Stress has turned into an unavoidable truth, and for a few,

the day by day standard. However, incidental stress can help
enhance our concentration and execution, living with
incessant stress can reverse discharge by causing uneasiness,
discouragement, and serious medical issues. Stress affects the
body’s immune system.

Filipinos experience stress and results to illnesses, physical

and mental, fleeting and serious and life-threatening. This can
also lead to depression and other maladaptive behavior that
can be harmful to self and others. On the other hand, stress
can be mediated through culture. For instance, Filipinos have
various threshold and ways to cope with stressors.
Concurrently, men and women express emotion in different
patterns. Women deal with stressful situation through tiis
(endurance)and kimkim (repression). Men are less expressive
than women and prone to confront “political economy of
stress “(Tan, 2006). Thus, culture influences how people react
to stressors.

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