Overidentification occurs when an individual or group is excessively identified with a particular characteristic, role, or label. This can lead to a narrow understanding of oneself or others, as it may overshadow other important aspects of identity. For example, a person might overidentify with their job title, believing it defines their entire worth. In educational settings, overidentification can happen when students are labeled as having special needs, such as in the case of learning disabilities. This can result in inappropriate placements or services, as the focus shifts solely to the label rather than the student's unique abilities and potential.