FINAL 1: Unpacking the Self

physical self

• refers to the body. Both physical extremities and internal organs

• The body changes across the lifespan, especially rapidly during puberty

Life span

refers to the development from conception to death.

Elizabeth B. Hurlock outlines the stages in the life span:

1. Prenatal - fertilization to birth

2. Infancy - birth to 2 weeks of life

3. Babyhood - 2 weeks of life to 2nd year

4. Early childhood - 2 to 6 years old

5. Late childhood - 6 to 10 or 12 years old

6. Puberty - 10 or 12 to 14 years old

7. Adolescence - 14 to 18 years old

8. Early adulthood - 18 to 40 years old

9. Middle adulthood - 40 to 60 years old

10. Late adulthood or senescence - 60 to

death

Two Factors Affecting Physical Growth and Development

Heredity and Environment

Heredity (nurture)

• Traits passed from parents (via chromosomes & genes)

• Dominant vs. Recessive genes

Environment (nature)

• Diet, experiences, lifestyle, diseases influence physical development

5 Theories about Physical Self

1. Physiognomy / Ancient Chinese Face Reading

2. Hippocrates’ Humor Theory

3. Sheldon’s Somatotype Theory

4. Jean Haner Face Shape Theory

5. Squier and Mew

Physiognomy / Ancient Chinese Face Reading

Physical appearance reflects personality (based on Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water)

Hippocrates’ Humor Theory

Personality based on body fluids called humors (Sanguine, Melancholic, Choleric, Phlegmatic)

Sheldon’s Somatotype Theory

Body type linked to personality (Endomorph, Mesomorph, Ectomorph)

Endomorph/ic

Body: Soft, round, and plump

Personality: Friendly, relaxed, and sociable

Mesomorph/ic

Body: Muscular and strong

Personality: Energetic, bold, confident, and competitive

Ectomorph/ic

Body: Tall, thin, and slim

Personality: Often shy, quiet, and thoughtful

Jean Haner Face Shape Theory

Face shape indicates traits her book The Wisdom of Your Face (2008), (Oval, Round, Square, Heart, Long, Triangle)

Squier & Mew Study (1981)

• long and angular- more responsive, assertive, and genuine

• short and square- more restrained, conforming, and shrewd.

Body image

• How a person thinks, feels, and views their body.

• connected to self-esteem, especially during puberty.

Appearance

everything about a person that others can observe such as height, weight, skin color, clothes, and hairstyle

Cause of poor body image

• Peer - comments / teasing

• Parents - pressure

• Media - beauty standards

• Bullying

• Comparison with models/celebrities

• Unrealistic Beauty Standards Society’s

Effects of poor body image

• Body dissatisfaction

• Depression

• Low self-esteem

• Eating disorders (Bulimia / Anorexia)

• Body modification (cosmetic surgery, extreme dieting)