JAMES MARCIAADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENTBy: Suzanne Ashley

July 2009

Brief Biography

Canadian developmental psychologist

Emeritus Professor of Psychology Simon Fraser University British Columbia, Canada

1960s psychological fame Conducted research study By interviewing 86 males from one college

www.sfu.ca

How do adolescents develop their identity?

Guiding Question

Overview of Marcia’s Theory

Expansion on Erikson’s Identity vs. Role Confusion

Explores adolescent identity development Occurs in two steps

1st step = break away from childhood belief’s 2nd step = explore alternative “status” and commit to

developing to one Four statuses of identity development

Foreclosure Diffusion Moratorium Achievement

Key Concepts of Identity Development

Purpose is to adopt: A vocational direction A sexual orientation Set of values and ideologies

Achieved by 18 – 22 years old Crisis = to the adolescent's period of

engagement in choosing among meaningful alternatives; searching

Commitment = to the degree of personal investment the individual exhibits

Four Statuses of Adolescent Identity Development

Diffusion•Low level of identity (commitment)•Low level of search (crisis)

Moratorium•Low level of identity (commitment)•High level of search (crisis)

Foreclosure•High level of identity (commitment)•Low level of search (crisis)

Achievement•High level of identity (commitment)•High level of search (crisis)

Low

Low

High

HighLevel of Crisis (Search or Exploration)

Level of

Com

mit

ment

Low-Level Commitment to Identity

No clear identity Making no

attempt to search for one

May have struggled

No commitment and little or no search

Vague or ill-formed commitments

Still under-going identity search or crisis

Begin to commit to identity but still developing

Diffusion Moratorium

High-Level of Identity Commitment

Blindly accepts identity and values given from childhood by family and others

Committed to identity but no search or crisis

Clear identity Well-defined personal

values Expanded in

adulthood Strong ego Has experienced a

search or crisisStrong commitment to

identity

Foreclosure Achievement

Four Statuses of Adolescent Identity Development

Diffusion•Low level of identity (commitment)•Low level of search (crisis)

Moratorium•Low level of identity (commitment)•High level of search (crisis)

Foreclosure•High level of identity (commitment)•Low level of search (crisis)

Achievement•High level of identity (commitment)•High level of search (crisis)

Low

Low

High

HighLevel of Crisis (Search or Exploration)

Level of

Com

mit

ment

Musical Think-Pair-Share

Think about the lyrics of each of the songs: Slow Turning I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For The River Like a Rolling Stone

Pair up with shoulder partner Share each song relates to the four

statuses of adolescent identity Source of Activity:

http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Psychology/Personality/JamesMarcia.htm

Counseling Applications

Questions for Adolescent Client What occupations have you considered exploring in your

future? What spiritual beliefs do you value? What is the source of

these beliefs? What political ideas are important to you? Why? Have you had any doubts about your beliefs?

Well-developed identity means . . . Strong sense of personal strengths ,weaknesses, & uniqueness Higher self-esteem Increased critical thinking Advanced moral reasoning Lower levels of anxiety

Summary of Marcia’s Impact

Theory examines late adolescent process of identity development

Four statuses: diffusion, moratorium, foreclosure, achievement NOT stages of development

Achieved when he or she has explored and committed to important aspects of identity

References

Identity Development - Aspects of Identity. (n.d.). In Social Issues Reference. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://social.jrank.org/pages/322/Identity-Development.html

The identity status approach to study of ego identity development. (1987). In H. (Author), SELF & IDENTITY. Perspectives across the lifespan. (International Library of Psychology) (pp. 161-171). New York: Routledge.

Identity Status Theory (Marcia). (n.d.). In At Learning Theories. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.learning-theories.com/identity-status-theory-marcia.html  

Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and Validation of Ego-Identity Status. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 3(5), 551-558.

Notes on Adolescent Identity. (n.d.). In The University of New Mexico. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.unm.edu/~jka/courses/archive/ident.html