identity status model
an expansion of identity versus identity confusion, the fifth stage in Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development. The model posits four possible identity statuses that an individual might assume, particularly during adolescence, each characterized by a different level of exploration of and commitment to a specific identity. Ideally, development moves toward identity achievement status, characterized by evidence of both identity exploration and commitment; this status is related to stable self-esteem and healthy psychological functioning. The other three identity statuses are moratorium status, which (as in Erikson’s moratorium period) is characterized by evidence of identity exploration but a lack of commitment; foreclosure status, depicted by commitment to an identity that adults have set forth for an individual but by failure to explore different options before that commitment is made; and
diffusion status, characterized by the lack of both identity exploration and commitment (compare Erikson’s identity diffusion). [first proposed in 1966 by Canadian psychologist James E. Marcia]