Adolescence -- Identity Formation
There are four categories of identity status (after James Marcia). These develop primarily through interactions with peers.
· Peers become increasingly important with age
· Peer group composition also change with age
This process involves both rebellion and experimentation.

i. Identity achievement: establish own goals and values, typically abandoning some of parents and societies and adoption some others (in our society)

ii. Identity foreclosure: premature identity formation: e.g., adopting parents goals and values without question, (or identifying with a totalitarian group that makes these decisions for you -- e.g., cult)

iii. Identity diffusion: few commitments to goals and values, may be apathetic or alienated

iv. Identity moratorium: 'time out', College can provide this chance to explore possibilities.