Describe James Marcia's identity statuses based on the dimensions of exploration and commitment.

What will be an ideal response?


Answers will vary. Building on Erik Erikson's approach, James Marcia theorized four identity statuses that represent the four possible combinations of the dimensions of exploration and commitment that Erikson believed were critical to the development of identity. Exploration involves active questioning and searching among alternatives to establish goals, values, or beliefs. Commitment is a stable investment in one's goals, values, or beliefs. Identity diffusion is the least advanced status and includes adolescents who neither have commitments nor are trying to form them. This stage is characteristic of younger adolescents and of older adolescents who drift through life or become alienated and rebellious. In the foreclosure status, individuals make commitments without considering alternatives. These commitments are usually established early in life and are often based on identification with parents, teachers, or religious leaders who have made a strong impression. The moratorium status refers to a person who is actively exploring alternatives in an attempt to make choices. Such individuals are often anxious and intense. Identity achievement refers to those who have explored alternatives and developed relatively firm commitments. They generally have high self-esteem and self-acceptance.

Psychology

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