Self-identity refers to the ongoing and dynamic process of self-development, self-definition, and the formulation of our personal identity through which we develop a unique sense of who we are as individuals and our relationship to the world and the people around us. It encompasses our sense of self-awareness, our understanding of our own characteristics, values, beliefs, and how we see ourselves in relation to various social categories and groups to which we belong or do not belong. Self-identity is not fixed but is continuously shaped and negotiated through social interactions, personal experiences, and the internalisation of societal norms and expectations throughout the life course. It involves both how we perceive ourselves and how we believe others perceive us, contributing to our sense of individuality and belonging within the social world.