SelfCitations

Self-citations are references to an author’s own previously published work within a new manuscript. They occur when authors cite their earlier studies, data, or methodological sources as part of the current discussion or justification. Self-citation is distinct from citing others and from automated bibliometric adjustments that track an author’s own citations.

Rationale for self-citation includes demonstrating the scholarly lineage of ideas, acknowledging prior contributions, and guiding readers to relevant methods or datasets developed by the same researcher. In many fields, building on one’s own work is common and necessary for methodological continuity. However, excessive self-citation can inflate perceived impact and may introduce bias into the scholarly record.

Measurement and policy vary by database and journal. Self-citation rate is the proportion of an author’s total citations that are to their own work. Rates differ by discipline, career stage, and publication practices; unusually high rates can prompt editorial scrutiny. Journals may require justification for self-citations that appear extraneous or irrelevant to the cited paper, and some publishers adjust metrics by excluding self-citations.

Impact and ethics considerations include effects on bibliometric indicators such as total citations and, in some cases, h-index. Self-citations can contribute to metrics that influence funding decisions and rankings, so transparent and relevant use is encouraged. Best practices emphasize citing prior work only when directly pertinent, ensuring accuracy, and avoiding deliberate inflation. If a high self-citation rate is unavoidable, authors and editors should provide a clear rationale.