Study Guide
Introduction
We will cover a number of themes in this unit and learn more about each. The following is a brief introduction to these themes.
Your self-image determines what you will think of yourself and also affects the successful
achievement of your ideals. Self-image also concerns your body image. This is what you think about your body. You need to respect your body and those of other people. It is important to accept yourself for who you are.
Every person has certain interests, abilities and potential. It depends on you how you use your abilities and interests to reach your full potential. It is important for you to know what your
interests, your abilities and your potential are. You need to create opportunities to use these qualities to your own advantage.
Peer pressure is not an unfamiliar concept. You see it happening every day. You need to handle
peer pressure correctly. Negative peer pressure may have adverse consequences for a person.
Finally, we will consider problem-solving skills and how to apply them in conflict situations.
Lesson 1 Positive self-image – body image
1.1
Understand and respect changes in your body
You have probably noticed that your body has started changing over the past few years. We
call this stage puberty. Puberty starts around age nine and ends at around age 17. In this stage,
your body will undergo various changes. You will also experience emotional changes. It is a
difficult stage of growing up and it is therefore extremely important to talk to someone if you
feel uncertain about what is happening to your body.
Take anyone close to you into your confidence – your mom, your dad, an older sibling or anyone
else you trust and feel comfortable with enough to share things. We need to respect the changes
in our body as well as the differences between various people. You are a unique person and must identify your own uniqueness and self-awareness. Try to look at yourself properly when standing in front of a mirror.
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