Chapter 1 – Understanding You

1-1 All About You Identify the 5 factors that help make you a unique person. Describe how personality develops List ways to improve self-concept Relate self-esteem to a positive self-concept.

1-1 All About You Environment Heredity Personality Character Cultural Heritage Ethnic Group Self-concept Self-esteem

You are a Unique Person! No person is exactly like you. You look, think, and act differently from anyone else. Others are special in that they too look, think, and act differently from everyone else.

Heredity Heredity is the sum of all traits passed on through genes from parents to children. Cause people to be alike in many ways Tall/Short Blonde/Black Hair

Inherited Traits Skin Hair Eye Color Facial Features Body Build Height Mental and Physical Abilities You have little or no control over your inherited traits. These traits greatly influence the way you think, act, and look. Knowing your heredity background can help you adapt your lifestyle to help you emphasize some traits and play down some others. I.E., Study harder to develop your mental ability Dry hair – select hair care products that will make your hair more manageable

Your Environment Some traits are influenced by your environment Environment is made up of everything that surrounds you Infant – no control Grow older – gain control http://www.coah.org/projects/?cat=orp

Types of Environment Psychological Composed of attitudes expressed by people around you Feelings and Beliefs of those around you You partially control this by choosing your friends. Physical Composed of objects around you Main factor is the place where you live FARM vs. CITY Younger – little control Older – gain more control

Your Cultural Heritage Cultural Heritage is made up of learned behaviors, beliefs, and languages passed on from generation to generation Foods you eat Holidays you celebrate Traditions you observe http://cbs2chicago.com/video/

Race & Ethnic Groups in the U.S.A. Ethnic Group is a group of people who share common racial and/or cultural characteristics National origin Language Religion Traditions Native Americans Descended from North America European Americans Immigrated Asian Americans African Americans Hispanics or Mexican Americans

Your Personality Personality is the total of all the behavioral qualities & traits that make up an individual. Way you feel Way you think Way you speak Way you dress Way you relate to others Personality is made up of different traits (qualities that make you different from others). I.E., cheerful, cooperative, easy-going, lazy, moody, grumpy

Character Development Character refers to inner traits, such as conscience, moral values, & social attitudes. The inner you – special force that guides your conduct & behavior (right or wrong) Begins at childhood Taught which behaviors are acceptable and which are not Learn to face new situations – knowing right behaviors from wrong behaviors

Your Self-Concept Self-concept is your view of yourself. Largely influenced by people around you & the way you read their behaviors toward you.

Positive and Negative Self-Concept You will see yourself as a lovable and worthwhile person You will reach out to others, expecting them to accept you Negative You will feel uncertain You may not see yourself as lovable or worthwhile You will hesitate to reach out to others for fear of rejection

Improving Your Self-Concept Be realistic about your expectations of yourself Develop your talents and abilities Look for positive relationships with others Spend time doing activities you enjoy Develop a sense of humor Liking yourself and feeling good about yourself allows your personality to grow and develop.

Your Self-Esteem Self-esteem is the sense of worth you attach to yourself. Taking pride in yourself and your accomplishments shows self-esteem You are a worthy person!!!