James Marcia Identity Status Theory Adam Morgan Background

James Marcia Identity Status Theory Adam Morgan

Background • • • Clinical Psychologist Developmental Psychologist NOT a Stage-theorist Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Psychology professor and clinical researcher Semi-Constructivist

Influences and Theory • • Eli H. Erikson’s theories of adolescence Specifically, Identity vs. Identity Confusion Believed roles in identity affect self Identity is determined by CHOICE CRISIS Always in one status Status may SHIFT under circumstances

Foreclosure • • Adolescent believes they have FEW CHOICES Willing to commit to SHIFT Relies on others for future CHOICES Not yet experienced a CRISIS

Identity Diffusion • Adolescent believes they have NO CHOICES • Not attempting or willing to SHIFT • Usually centered around CRISIS

Moratorium • Adolescent in CRISIS but has CHOICE • High levels of stress • Extremely willing to SHIFT Disney’s Mulan (1998)

Identity Achievement • Adolescent has CHOSEN identity AFTER CRISIS • Willing to commit to CHOICE • Resistant to future SHIFT

Marcia’s Status Questions • Established a commitment to an occupation and ideology? • Experienced, or were presently experiencing, a decision making period (CRISIS)?

Status Shift • • • Shifts could be caused by changes: Experiences Values Strengths Sexual Orientation

Critique • • • Constructivist Crisis-impact theorist Relevant for trauma patients Relevant for diverse students Extremely relevant in Secondary Education We are who we are

Classroom Applications • • • Journal writes in the classroom Games Counseling becomes more useful Relate to students based on situation Find ways to help students shift “Coming-of-age” literature

References • • Wikipedia. org Learning-Theories. com Slideshare. net (Virginia Tech) Disney (Mulan)