The Physical Self

Physical Self

Refers to the body; concrete dimension, tangible aspect of the person that can be directly observed and examined

Behaviorism, Psychoanalytic, Psychosocial, Humanism

Theoretical Perspectives of the Physical Self

Behaviorism

considers body as the initial source of sensation and necessary for the origin and maintenance of personality; body is obedient to the mind and is an expressive tool of indwelling consciousness

William James

developed behaviorism

Psychoanalytic

physical body the core of human experience; mind and body are one; plays a critical role in storing and channeling bioenergy

Bioenergy

basis of human existence and experience

Sigmund Freud

developed psychoanalytic

Psychosocial

experience is anchored in the ground-plan of body; 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 a society

Erik Erikson

developed psychosocial

Humanism

individual becomes more concerned with the higher order needs once physiological needs of a person are met

Heredity

transmission of traits from parents to offspring

Gene

basic unit of heredity

Phenotype

physical expression of a particular trait. It can be directly observed

Genotype

specific information embedded within one’s genes; not all genotypes translate to an observed physical characteristic; can be determined by blood testing

Sex chromosomes

the 23rd pair of chromosomes

Dominant genes

observable; external traits

Recessive genes

not observable but is within the genetic composition of an indivudal

Pedigree analysis

method of tracing the genetic history of a person

Growth

quantitative changes; increase in size and structure

Development

qualitative changes; progressive series of orderly, coherent changes leading towards goal of maturity

Maturation

completion of growth of a genetic character within an organism; enables human to walk, run and talk

Hormones

chemically produced “messengers” that functions to communicate between glands and organs

Endocrine system

network of glands that release hormones to the bloodstream

Neurotransmitters

only occur in the brain and central nervous system

Happy chemicals

alleviate anxiety and prevent depressive symptoms; reflection of one’s environment, relationships, diet, exercise regime, and gut microbes

Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphins

Main happiness chemicals

Dopamine

feel-good hormone; gives pleasurable sensations and keeps us coming back for more; active neurotransmitter in addictions; pleasure, motivation, learning

Oxytocin

cuddle or love hormone; produced in response to touch and even the right kind of eye contact; love, trust, and bonding

Serotonin

happiness hormone; stabilizes mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness; helps reduce depression and regulate anxiety;

Endorphins

runner’s hormones; released to maximize discomfort and pain in order to maximize pleasure; pain relief, runner’s high, relaxation

Cortisol

stress hormone; helps body respond during stressful situations by giving the body a natural energy boost

Adrenaline

hormone released into the body of someone feeling extreme emotions which causes the person to have more energy

Insulin

essential for life, regulates many metabolic processes that provide cells with needed energy

Melatonin

hormone that regulates our sleep and wake cycle

Testosterone and Estrogen

sex hormones; affect not just sexual functions but also essential to the bones, brain and blood vessels

Body image

mental picture you have of your own body and how you see yourself when you look in a mirror

Self-esteem

how you value and respect yourself as a person