Reference no: EM133225151

Erik Erikson's psychological conflict of adolescence was identity versus role confusion. He was among the very first theorists to address identity as a major task of adolescence and early adulthood. Related to this are two key criteria derived from Erikson's theory: exploration and commitment.

Exploration in this sense is the freedom and ability to explore many different vocational/career paths, taking classes, volunteering or working for pay in a number of internships or fields you are interested in, etc. Commitment in this sense includes the decision to pursue a particular field or path to a field of employment or career area. Four identity statuses have been identified as paths to identity, each with its own strengths (identity achievement and identity moratorium) and some with psychological limitations (identity foreclosure and identity diffusion) for future development.

The 4 identity statuses are described in greater detail on pages 409 and 410 of the textbook. They are identity achievement, identity moratorium, identity foreclosure, and identity diffusion. Please read the descriptions of each of these, along with text on pages 409, 410, and 411, which describe identity and psychological well-being, and influences on identity development.

Where are you on this path to identity? Identity achievement means you have explored your options and committed to a goal. Identity moratorium means you are still searching and discovering, but are in a little bit of a holding pattern as far as making up your mind. Identity foreclosure means you have identified a goal without searching much for alternatives. Finally, identity diffusion means you have not really explored many options and have not committed to a goal yet.

Some of us picked one goal or path early on, and pursued it, only to realize later that it is NOT what we really want to do. That's okay. Just tell me where you are in this journey!