Lesson 5: The Physical Self

The physical self refers to the biological and observable aspects of a person’s identity, such as body structure, facial features, skin tone, and overall physical health.

What is the physical self?

Heredity (genetics) and environment (external factors like nutrition, activity, sleep, stress, technology, and social influences).

What shapes the physical self?

The transmission of genetic traits from parents to offspring, including height, body type, eye color, hair texture, and predispositions to certain health conditions.

What is heredity in physical development?

All external factors influencing physical development, such as lifestyle, diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and exposure to technology.

What is environment in physical development?

Neither acts alone; genetic predispositions can be enhanced or mitigated by environmental factors. For example, a student may inherit a predisposition to obesity but prevent it with proper diet and exercise.

How do heredity and environment interact in shaping the physical self?

Why is physical presentation emphasized in the Philippines?

Cultural expectations in professional and social settings stress looking presentable, which can influence body image and self-esteem.

The sexual self includes biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions of human sexuality, such as sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and awareness of bodily changes and responses

What is the sexual self?

Physical changes during puberty triggered by sex hormones, which signal sexual maturity but are not directly involved in reproduction.

What are secondary sex characteristics?

Facial hair, deepening voice, broad shoulders, increased muscle mass.

Give examples of secondary sex characteristics in males.

Breast development, widening of hips, onset of menstruation, fat distribution in buttocks and thighs.

Give examples of secondary sex characteristics in females.

Organs and structures responsible for sexual function and reproduction.

What is the human reproductive system?

Testes, vas deferens, prostate gland, penis.

Name the main organs of the male reproductive system.

Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina.

Name the main organs of the female reproductive system.

It helps in making informed choices about sexual health, contraception, and fertility.

Why is understanding reproductive anatomy important?

Areas of the body sensitive to touch that can elicit sexual arousal, due to a high concentration of nerve endings.

What are erogenous zones?

Lips, neck, ears, inner thighs, breasts, genitals.

Give examples of common erogenous zones.

Lower back, scalp, feet.

Give examples of less obvious erogenous zones.

It promotes understanding of intimacy, consent, body autonomy, and respectful relationships.

Why is awareness of erogenous zones important?

Social media, forums, gaming communities, and dating apps influence perceptions of attractiveness, intimacy, and sexual norms.

How does digital culture affect sexual self?

Exposure to sexualized content can reinforce stereotypes, distort expectations, or affect self-esteem and sexual behavior.

What are potential risks of digital exposure on sexual identity?

By reflecting on online interactions, promoting responsible behavior, and distinguishing healthy sexual expression from risky behavior.

How can students critically navigate digital spaces regarding sexuality?

Biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

What factors govern sexual behavior?

A model describing physiological responses to sexual activity: excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution.

What is the Sexual Response Cycle?

• Increased blood flow to erogenous zones, muscle tension, elevated heart rate,

• penile erection in males,

• vaginal lubrication and clitoral swelling in females;

• dopamine and testosterone surge.

What happens during the excitement phase?

Intensified physiological changes, rapid breathing, increased blood pressure and muscle tension, pre-ejaculatory fluid in males, clitoral sensitivity in females, oxytocin rises.

What happens during the plateau phase?

• Peak sexual pleasure, muscular contractions,

• ejaculation in males,

• pelvic contractions in females,

• dopamine and oxytocin surge, promoting pleasure and emotional connection.

What happens during the orgasm phase?

Body returns to baseline, erections subside, clitoris and vaginal tissues return to normal, prolactin released, feelings of relaxation, sleepiness, or emotional closeness.

What happens during the resolution phase?

Drives libido in both sexes; higher levels increase sexual desire.

What is the role of testosterone?

Regulates female reproductive cycles; enhances vaginal lubrication and sensitivity.

What is the role of estrogen?

The bonding hormone; promotes emotional closeness during intimacy and orgasm.

What is the role of oxytocin?

Associated with pleasure and reward; reinforces sexual motivation.

What is the role of dopamine?

Influences mood and satisfaction; imbalances may affect sexual desire or performance.

What is the role of serotonin?

Chat-based flirtation, online dating, and gaming can increase dopamine and oxytocin even without physical contact.

How can digital interactions trigger sexual responses?

Potential desensitization to sexual content, distorted expectations of relationships, difficulty distinguishing healthy sexual expression from risky behavior.

What challenges does digital intimacy present?

RA 10354 (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012).

What law mandates reproductive health education in the Philippine

It equips students to make informed, ethical decisions regarding physical and sexual health.

Why is age-appropriate sexual education important?