The Physical Self

The Physical Self

Refers to the body in which we interface with our environment and fellow being. It is a tangible aspect of the person that can be directly observed and examined.

Heredity and Environment

Two Factors Affecting Physical Growth and Development

Theory of Physiognomy

Suggest that a person's physical characteristics such as facial features and expressions and body structures could be related to a person's character or personality.

Five Element Theory

Makes use of elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal as archetypes for everything occurring in the natural world.

Four Body Fluids

Hippocrates

Body Image

Refers to how a person perceives their own body; particularly how attractive they believe they are. It's more than what we see in the mirror.

Mental Image

Which is usually quite resistant to change, that depicts not only details that are potentially available to the objective description by others (height, weight, hair color, etc.)

Bryan Turner

In the 1990s, body sociology established itself as a discipline. He coined the term "somatic society," which refers to the body's newfound importance in modern society.

Bryan Turner

Defines the body as the site of problematization and expression of personal and political issues.

Bryan Turner

Contended that images of bodies had become prevalent in society as a result of the use of human figures in the media, particularly advertising.

1984

Bryan Turner

Beauty

• The quality or set of qualities in a person or thing that delights the senses or exalts the mind or spirit: loveliness.

• It is the property of something that gives someone pleasure for reasons other than mental stimulation, personal gain, or the fulfillment of innate drives

Physical Selves

Dictate how we conduct ourselves in the presence of others, they also dictate how we will manage our self-esteem.

Self-Esteem

Essential for forming positive healthy relationships with others.

Positive and Negative Body Image

Two Types of Body Image

Positive Body Image

Accepting oneself the way you are, even if you do not fit what the media deems “ideal.”

Negative Body Image

Feeling bad about the way one looks. Decreases self-esteem, becomes a target of ridicule, can lead to maladaptive responses.

Body Image Dissatisfaction

Refers to a person's negative perceptions and emotions regarding their body. It can be affected by factors such as body shape and appearance, attitudes toward weight gain, and cultural norms concerning the ideal body.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

People with this disorder see themselves as "ugly," and they frequently avoid social situations or seek plastic surgery to improve their appearance.

Eating Disorder

Illness that is characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about body weight or shape.

Anorexia Nervosa

Obsessive fear of gaining weight, refusal to maintain healthy body weight, and an unrealistic body image perception. They severely restrict their food intake and consider themselves overweight even when they are underweight.

Bulimia Nervosa

Characterized by binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or excessive use of laxatives or diuretics They may be concerned about gaining weight and be dissatisfied with their body size and shape.

Binge Eating Disorder

Loss of eating control regularly. Binge eating episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. Many people with this are obese and at a higher risk of developing other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.