Description
James Marcia expands upon the work of Erikson’s concept of the identity crisis vs. role diffusion. Marcia’s theory categorizes four major points along the identity development continuum: diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement proposed upon conducting identity research. These points describe completely different identity statuses ranging from indeterminate and diffuse personal identity to a clearly defined, as well as highly specific personal identity (Kail, & Cavanaugh, 2000). The theory proposes that the formation of identity in adolescents comprises of two key parts: crisis and commitment (Lerner & Steinberg, 2009).