Achieving an identity is a central task facing adolescents. Identity is a relatively stable conception of where and how one fits into a society that is strongly influenced by the perception of ones physical appearance, the goals one establishes and achieves, and recognition from significant others in the environment. Ericksons observations on identity formation have been very useful when coming to learn and understand the process of forming an identity. Identity statues, which there are four, are styles or processes for handling the psychosocial takes of establishing a sense of identity. James Marcia extended Ericksons observations and came to the conclusion that mature identity is based on two variables: crisis and commitment. Crisis refers to times during adolescence when the individual seems to be actively involved in choosing among alternative occupations and beliefs. Commitment refers to the degree of personal investment the individual expressed in an occupation or belief. After analyzing interview records with these two criteria in mind, Marcia established four identity achievement statures that vary in their degree of crisis and commitment: diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement. The moratum and identity achievement statuses are generally thought to be more developmentally mature than the foreclosure and identity diffusion statues because those individuals exhibiting the former have either evaluated alternatives and made a commitment or are actively involved in obtaining and evaluating information in preparation for a commitment.
             Identity diffusion: individuals who have made no commitment vocationally or otherwise
             Foreclosure: the individual simply adopts an identity as prescribed by some one else (i.e. parents)
             Moratorium: a period which one experiments with ideas roles and identity
             Identity Achievement: the individual has explored roles and has made some type of commitment
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