The identity status that is characterized by a commitment to choices made following a crisis

Erikson's observations about identity were extended by Marcia, who described four identity statuses:identity diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium and identity achievement. The present article describes the features of these four categories of identity status.

Identity status is assessed as identity achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, or confusion. People who are classified as identity achieved have experienced a period of questioning and exploration, and have made occupational and ideological commitments.

The moratorium identity status (crisis but no commitment) is frequently considered to be the status of many adolescents and young adults in various areas of life.

Marcia's four identity stages are diffusion (low exploration, low commitment), foreclosure (low exploration, high commitment), moratorium (high exploration, low commitment), and achievement (high exploration, high commitment).