DEVELOPMENT OF IDENTITY

James E. Marcia, a psychologist, had figured well on researches that dealt with
identity issues during adolescence. For him, identity is internal, self-constructed, dynamic
organization of drives, abilities, and individual history.

He has identified four identity or statuses and correlated them with other aspects of
personality. These are anxiety, self-esteem, moral reasoning and patterns of social
behaviour. These stages do not form a progression; and are not in any way included in the
identity search but they are not necessarily permanent. A person’s identity status may
change as he or she develops.

Marcia’s four identity statuses are determined by the presence or absence of the two
elements which to Erikson are crucial to forming identity: crisis and commitment. Marcia
defines crisis as a period of conscious decision-making while commitment as a personal
investment in an occupation or a system of beliefs (ideology). He defined a crisis as a
time of upheaval where old values or choices are being reexamined. The end outcome of
a crisis leads to a commitment made to a certain role or value.

Marcia identifies four categories of identity formation: identity achievement,

foreclosure, diffusion, and moratorium.

1. Identity Achievement (crisis leading to commitment). Those with identity

achievement are characterized by flexible strength and tendency to be thoughtful,
although not so introspective. These individuals function well under stress, have
sense of humour, are receptive to new ideas and ready for intimate relationships in
accordance to their own standards.
2. Foreclosure (commitment without crisis). Authorized by region strength; self
assurance, self satisfied, and strong sense of family ties. These are the people who
recognize the need for law and order, as well as obedience to a leader. They can
 be dogmatic when their ideas are put to a test. The status in which the adolescent
seems willing to commit to some relevant roles, values, or goals for the future.
Adolescents in this stage have not experienced an identity crisis.
3. Density diffusion (no commitment). Stay away from commitment. As care for
individuals, they drift in the absence of focus. Often times they are carefree, thus,
in the absence of intimate relationship they become unhappy.
4. Moratorium (in crisis). The status in which the adolescent is currently in a crisis,
exploring various commitments and is ready to make choices, but has not made a
commitment to these choices yet. They may not necessarily be in a good
relationship but express preference for intimacy. They are characteristically
talkative, competitive, lively, and anxious.

Erikson believed that individuals have to confront with old troubles before they arrive
at an identity. This, he refers to the sense of self usually achieved through an examination
and commitment to the particular role an individual should play as an adult member of
society. Identity affords the individual to know himself better, prepare you for his future
and realize his dreams and ambitions. Perception of self includes how others see us and
the importance they attach to the values and accomplishments (Patterson, Socthing, and
Marcia, 1992 as cited by Cobb, 2001).
In defining identity, Erikson also considered 3 domains to be of paramount
importance: sexuality as expressed in an adult gender roles , occupation , and ideology or
religious and political beliefs.

(2004). Development of Identity. In P. D. victorina O. Acero, Child and Adolescent

Development (pp. 101-102). Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store.

Identity Status Theory. (2014, July 23). Retrieved March 12, 2019, from Learning
Theories: https://www.learning-theories.com/identity-status-theory-marcia.html