Personal identity is an area of research within philosophy and psychology that explores questions about what constitutes a person's sense of self and individuality. This includes topics such as the nature of the self, how personal identity is formed and maintained over time, and how individuals define themselves in relation to their social and cultural context. Theories of personal identity may touch on issues such as consciousness, memory, and the distinction between the self and other individuals. Researchers in this field aim to understand the factors that shape an individual's sense of identity and how it influences their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships with others.