Introduction
James Marcia presented a model of growth complementary to the one in the previous lesson in the year of 1966.
As teenagers, you are at an important stage of life where you begin asking questions such as:
- “Who am I?”
- “What do I believe in?”
- “What career should I pursue?”
- “What kind of person do I want to become?”
James Marcia expanded Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development by explaining that adolescents develop their Identity in different ways. He defined a couple of terms:
Definition of Terms
Term Definition Identity A person’s understanding of who they are, including their beliefs, values, interests, personality, and goals. Identity Development The lifelong process of discovering, exploring, and forming one’s unique identity. Identity Status A stage or condition that describes a person’s level of exploration and commitment in developing their identity.
He also said that identity development in particular depends on two important factors:
- Exploration : Looking at different choices, beliefs, interests or career options
- Commitment : deciding which beliefs, goals, or career path you will follow
James Marcia’s Four Identity Statuses
There is a table that sums up these Four Statuses quite nicely. Look below.
Identity Status Exploration Commitment Example Diffusion ✕ ✕ No clear plans or goals. Foreclosure ✕ ✓ Follows parents or others’ decisions. Moratorium ✓ ✕ Still exploring different options. Achievement ✓ ✓ Explored choices and made informed decision.
You can review easier if you just look at the table above, ngl.
Identity Diffusion
“When a person has not explored different choices and has not made any commitment to goals, beliefs, or future plans.”
These individuals may feel confused about what they want in life or simply avoid thinking about the future, lacking clear goals.
Characteristics:
- Has no clear goals
- Shows little interest in planning for the future
- Easily influenced by peers
- Avoids making important decisions
- May lack motivation
Identity Foreclosure
“When a person has made a commitment without exploring other possibilities.”
This type of status usually happens under desperation, pressure, or external influence such as responsibility or authority commanding the will of the one committing.
Such as your parents forcing you to do something.
Characteristics:
- Accepts other’s decisions without question or objection
- Has clear goals, but did not personally explore alternatives
- Follows family traditions or expectations
- May later question these decisions
Identity Moratorium
“When a person is actively exploring different options but has not yet made a final commitment.”
This is common for adolescents who don’t know what their goals are yet or haven’t consolidated anything inside of their years.
This is personally me :)
Characteristics:
- Curious and open to new experiences
- Explores different careers, hobbies, and careers
- Asks many questions
- May feel uncertain or confused
- Carefully considers different choices before deciding
Identity Achievement
“This is reached when a person has explored different avenues of life and made meaningful commitments based on personal values, interests, and goals.”
This is considered the healthiest identity status because decisions are made after careful reflection.
Characteristics:
-
Has clear goals
-
Shows interest in planning for the future
-
Not easily influenced by peers
-
Motivated and committed
Some of my relatives are this, I hope I’ll be next.
Conclusion
Developing your identity is one of the most important tasks during adolescence and James Marcia’s model of Identity Statuses remind us that identity isn’t formed overnight.
Explore, discover new interests, question your beleifs. Just do all that and decide! YOLO.