1

Module 2: Self-Awareness, Personality Development and Values Formation

Objectives:

At the end of the session, students are expected to:

 Understand the meaning and importance of self-awareness to our holistic development

 Appreciate their self-worth and dignity as a human person
 Be equipped with significant tools in affirming, re-affirming and developing their self-awareness
and values formation
 Discuss why personality is important and how personality differences can be improved
 Determine the strong and weak areas of one’s personality
 Understand the meaning of values and values formation as well as their importance to one’s life.
 Be aware of the role of values in relation to one’s choices and decisions.
 Appreciate how values are developed or formed.

Outline:

1. Self Awareness
a. Definition and Importance
b. Basis of the Continuing Valuing Process and Self-Awareness
c. JOHARI’S WINDOW
2. Personality and Personality Development
a. Definition of Personality and Personality Development
b. Components
3. Values Formation
a. Definition
b. Nature of Values
c. The Core Value of a Human Person
d. Periods of Development of Value according to Morris Massey 1
e. Importance of Values

Optional Activity:

1. “ Itodo Mo sa Likod Ko”

 You may allow each student to solicit feedback/impressions/comments from others
by taping a blank paper on his/her back for others to write their descriptions of
him/her on.
 Encourage students to get comments from all of their classmates.
Guide Questions:
1. What was your initial reaction to the descriptions in your paper? Do you agree or
disagree with most of the items? Why?
2. Did the activity give you new insights about yourself?
 2

3. How are these insights useful to your growth and development?

2. “Coat of Arms”
 Consider answering the following questions:
i. what do you think is the worst problem in the world today?
ii. what virtue best describe you?
iii. what trait of Jesus do you most admire?
iv. what one value would you never surrender, even if threatened with death?
v. who is the most admirable person for you?
vi. what one quality of your life would you like to change for the better?

 Identify a symbolic picture of your answers to the questions above.

 Draw a coat of arms using all the symbolic picture of your answers as elements.

Lecture:

1. Self Awareness
1.1. Definition
1.1.1.Self awareness is a way for us to explore and affirm our individual personalities, value
systems and beliefs;
1.1.2.We are all different in the way we react to things, learn, and synthesize information, and
so it is helpful for our personal growth to occasionally spend time in self-reflection to gain
a better insight into ourselves and maximize our strength and correct our weaknesses. 2

1.2. Basis of the Continuing Valuing Process and Self-Awareness

1.2.1.Although we may carry some of our personal values although out our life, but most people
tend to change and affirm new values. The flowing are the rationale why we change and
constantly change our personal values:
1.2.1.1. NEED FOR SELF-ESTEEM – a healthy regard for oneself and one’s worth
1.2.1.2. NEED FOR SELF-DIRECTION – we seek for accountability and responsibility for
what one makes of one’s life
1.2.1.3. NEED FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT – compels us to get involve, to use our talent and
to take risks
1.2.1.4. NEED FOR OTHERS - reach out for others in friendship and love
1.2.1.5. NEED FOR RECOGNITION – to feel useful and good, created for a purpose, to
contribute for the development of the world
1.2.1.6. NEED FOR SECURITY - to protect oneself against all eventualities of life
1.2.1.7. NEED FOR MEANING IN LIFE - to discern the purpose and relation of man’s
different activities and the things around him
 3

1.3. Johari’s Window (content to follow)

2. Personality and Personality Development

2.1. What is Personality?
2.1.1.It is defined as the “ sum total of the qualities and characteristics of a person as shown in
her manner of walking, talking, dressing, and his/her attitudes, interest and ways of
reacting to other people.
2.1.2.The basis of one’s personality is oneself. The self grows, develops and what that self be,
depends upon heredity and environmental factors. Self is the golden key to a pleasing
personality because of consistency of our actions, feelings, behavior and even abilities.

2.2. What is Personality Development

2.2.1.1. Personality Development essentially means enhancing and grooming one’s
outer and inner self to bring about a positive change to your life.

Components
1.1.1.Physical. This includes the mode of dressing, manner of walking, posture, body build,
health, complexion and facial expression. It is also characterized by cleanliness we give to
our body.
1.1.2.Intellectual. How a person talks and what he/she talks about is what matters in the
intellectual component of personality. Intellectually mature persons have their own
thoughts and make and accept full responsibility for their own decision. They are willing
to acknowledge the truth even when it is displeasing or makes serious demands of them.
They analyze the problems, consider the alternatives and make, execute and live with a
decision.
1.1.3.Social. Good manners are included in this aspect of personality. To do the right thing at
the right time, to act in the proper manner, and to get along well with others.
 4

1.1.4.Emotional. This component includes a person’s likes or dislikes, whether she is outgoing
or shy, calm or nervous. Emotionally mature person can live with emotional situations
without falling apart. They can accept criticism without feeling deeply hurt, face and bear
unpleasant things and are not overcome by childish fears and anxieties.
1.1.5.Values System. This includes a person’s attitudes, values, beliefs and philosophy in life.
This is also shown in the way we judge whether our actions and the actions of others are
right or wrong.

1. Values Formation
a. Definition
b. Nature of Values
c. The Core Value of a Human Person
d. Periods of Development of Value according to Morris Massey 3
e. Importance of Values

4. Values Formation
4.1. Definition
4.1.1.Etymologically, the word “values” comes from the Latin word “valere”, which means “to
measure the worth of something;”
4.1.2.Values are the elements of life prevailing in any society. They lie at the core of man’s life.
They color his choice. They shape and determine an individual’s or group’s decision, to like
or dislike, favor or disfavor, change or not to change 4;
4.1.3.Value is a principle or quality intrinsically valuable, important or desirable to you;
4.1.4.Values are personal. Your convictions, beliefs, ethics rolled into one;
4.1.5.Values are not inherent they are socially developed.

4.2. Nature of Values5

 Values are important in life. Each of us holds numerous values and we level their
importance; it maybe is important to you but less to others; it may be less to
you but others may set it as extremely important.
 Five explicit features of human values6:
1. Values are beliefs linked inextricably to affect the person’s emotion
or might affect other’s feeling - once activated, values are infused
with feelings, for a person who values honesty once accused of
cheating they maybe is displeased, embarrassed, aroused or be
furious7;

2. Values refer to desirable goals that motivate action – our personal

value may force us to improve ourselves and become a better
person. People for whom social order and justice is an important
 5

value may march on the street to protest once they think it is

violated8;
3. Values transcend specific actions and situations - we carry our
values in most if not all our experiences, they are not set aside by
specific situations. Obedience for example is a desirable value that
may be relevant at work or in school, in sports, business, and
politics, with family, and friends. This separate values from norms
and other cultural traits9;
4. Values serve as standards or criteria – our value is our guideline
whether to acknowledge that the act is good or not; it is also guides
our evaluation of actions, policies, people, and events. What is good
or bad, just or unjust, ethical or unethical depends on our personal
values10;
5. Values are ordered by importance relative to one another – we may
set aside one value for another and it depends on its degree of
importance to us11. Do we attribute more value to our family than
our country? Or do we attribute more value to our friends than our
family? This separates values from our understanding of norms and
attitude;

4.3. The Core Value of a Human Person12

 The following are the different dimension of a human person and related values:
1. Being physical (made of matter) - a human person needs to
maintain good and sustainable health and harmony with nature.
2. Being spiritual – an individual is capable of reasoning beyond
material into the level of spiritual concern.
3. Being rational – a human being is gifted with a mind or the faculty of
knowing.
4. Being moral – a person is capable of freely choosing what is right
and what is wrong; good or bad; pleasing or not pleasing; ethical or
unethical.
5. Being social – no human is an island and everybody is nurtured by a
particular community.
6. Being economic – a human being is bounded by his/her concern
over production and consumption of goods and services to satisfy
his/her needs and wants.
7. Being political – as a member of a group and a community a human
person is capable of exercising control and authority; or on the
other be controlled by certain rules and laws within the group and
community.

4.4. Periods of Development of Value according to Morris Massey 13

 6

4.4.1.Sociologist Morris Massey has described three major periods during which our personal
values are developed.
4.4.1.1. The Imprint Period
4.4.1.1.1. From the moment we are born up to the age of seven, we are sponge
that absorbs everything around us. We don’t have critical evaluation of things
and accepting much of it as true especially when it comes from our parents and
significant others. Sometimes this blind belief causes trauma and other deep
problems;
4.4.1.2. The Modeling Period
4.4.1.2.1. Between 7-13 years old we look up to other people specially our
parents as models and we copy their personality. It is not blind acceptance, we
copy them to feel how they feel;
4.4.1.3. The Socialization Period
4.4.1.3.1. We maybe are very largely influenced by our peers during 13-21 years
old. We turn and associate to people who seem more like us, or we changed
our character to fit the values of our group;

4.5. Importance of Values

4.5.1.Living in agreement with one’s values is fulfilling;
4.5.2.Living in conflict with one’s values is stressful and dissatisfying;
4.5.3.That’s why it is so important to clearly understand your own personal code of values: your
happiness depends upon not only knowing your values but living in accordance with them.

4.6. True, Meaningful and Lasting Values

4.6.1.Value your self14 – we need to familiarize ourselves with our strengths and weaknesses. Be
a man of value rather than a man of success.
4.6.2.Value compassion15 – we must always show and extend our concern for others.
4.6.3.Values passion16 – enthusiasm and passion energize our lives.
4.6.4.Value knowledge – knowledge is power. Love to value education.
4.6.5.Value kindness17 – your kindness warms the hearts of others, relieves their burdens and
makes them feel valuable.
4.6.6.Value time18 - when we value time, we put it to good use. When we waste it, we trivialize
it.
4.6.7.Value mentoring19 – you are influencing others we become source of encouragement and
inspiration and help to make the world a better place.
4.6.8.Value your country20 – you must affirm civic pride and responsibility without marginalizing
or discriminating other culture and nationality.
4.6.9.Value GOD21 – above all things God is our shelter and salvation.
 7

4.7. Process of Valuing22

 As an adult, how should we formalize and affirm our personal values. The
following guidelines may help us in the formation of our personal values:
1. Choose Freely - whether someone is watching or not we must not be
dictated by other people on what we affirm is right or wrong.
2. Choose from variety of options – we should hear and evaluate other
alternative values for if there are no other choices our freedom to
choose is impinged.
3. Choose after thoughtful consideration of all alternatives – we should
weigh understand other values and options; foresee the consequences
of our decision and how it will affect others before affirming it.
4. Prize it – cherish, respect and hold dear your values for it defines who
and what you are as a person.
5. Affirm it – be happy, stand proud and hold dear your personal values,
don’t let others influence you to be embarrassed to let people know of
what you believe in.
6. Act upon your choices – your values must reflect in how you live and
where you are leading your life, career, studies or your work.

Synthesis:

1. Symbolic Offering of the Coat of Arms

a. Each student must present their coat of arms
b. During the presentation the student must
i. explain the symbolic meaning of the coat of arms
ii. identify the strengths and weaknesses of their coat of arms
iii. propose on how improve and make better their personal values
1
Retrieved from http://changingminds.org/explanations/values/values_development.htm, on June 10, 2011
2
Retrieved from http://www.canyons.edu/committees/leap/team1/15tips/tip13.asp June 10, 2011
3
Retrieved from http://changingminds.org/explanations/values/values_development.htm, on June 10, 2011
4
Tiempo, Alex (2005). Social Philosophy: Foundation of Filipino Values. Rex Bookstore. Manila p. 1
5
Basic Human Values, Shalom H. Schwartz retrieved from
http://www.eangallaghersite.com/.../Article_Basic_Human_Values.22700057.doc on June 10, 2011
6
Berry, John W. et. al. ed (1997). Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Volume 3: Social Behavior and Applications.
Allyn and Bacon. Massachusetts. p.80
7
Charland, Louis C. & Zachar, Peter Ed. (2008). Facts and Value in Emotion. John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Philadelphia, U.S.A. p. 103
8
Stroshal, Kirk D., Hayes, Steven C. Ed. (2004). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Springer Science + Media Business
Inc. New York, U.S.A. p. 192
9
Berry, Ibid.
10
Hosford-Dunn, Holly et al. ed. (2000). Audiology Practice Management. Thieme Medical Publishers Inc. p. 42
11
Berry, Ibid.
12
Values Education for the Filipino, 1997 Revised Version of the DECS Values Education Program UNESCO National
Commission of the Philippines, Education Committee Project
13
Retrieved from http://changingminds.org/explanations/values/values_development.htm, on June 10, 2011
14
Reflection presented by Prof. Gabriel M. Delos Santos, during the AdU NSTP Instructors Team Building I Caliraya,
Lumban, Laguna dated June 24-25, 2011
15
Reflection by Prof. delos Santos, Ibid
16
Reflection presented by Prof. Ernesto Opus, during the AdU NSTP Instructors Team Building I Caliraya, Lumban, Laguna
dated June 24-25, 2011
17
Reflection presented by Prof. Eulalia Castillo, during the AdU NSTP Instructors Team Building I Caliraya, Lumban, Laguna
dated June 24-25, 2011
18
Reflection presented by Prof. Edgardo Aquillon, during the AdU NSTP Instructors Team Building I Caliraya, Lumban,
Laguna dated June 24-25, 2011
19
Reflection presented by Prof. Evelyn Rafael, during the AdU NSTP Instructors Team Building I Caliraya, Lumban, Laguna
dated June 24-25, 2011
20
Reflection presented by Atty. Julius A. Babista, during the AdU NSTP Instructors Team Building I Caliraya, Lumban,
Laguna dated June 24-25, 2011
21
Reflection presented by Prof. Rafael, Ibid
22
Kirschenbaum, Howard & Henderson, Valerie Land (1989). The Carl Rogers Readers: Selections from the Lifetime Works
of of Pre-eminent Psychologists author of “On Becoming a Person” and “A Way of Being.” Houghton Mifflin Company.
New York. U.S.A. p. 168