In developmental psychology, which of the following best defines identity achievement according to James Marcia's theory of identity status?

• A. A person is actively exploring options but has not yet made any commitments.
• B. A person has explored different options and made a committed choice regarding their values and beliefs.
• C. A person has made commitments without exploring alternatives, often conforming to others' expectations.
• D. A person has not explored options and has not made any commitments regarding their identity.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that James Marcia's theory of identity status builds on Erik Erikson's concept of identity development during adolescence, focusing on the processes of exploration and commitment.
2. Step 2: Identify the key components of Marcia's identity statuses: exploration (actively considering different options) and commitment (making decisions about values, beliefs, and goals).
3. Step 3: Recognize that 'identity achievement' is the status where an individual has both explored various options and made firm commitments based on that exploration.
4. Step 4: Differentiate identity achievement from other statuses such as 'moratorium' (exploration without commitment), 'foreclosure' (commitment without exploration), and 'identity diffusion' (neither exploration nor commitment).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of identity achievement is a person who has explored different options and made a committed choice regarding their values and beliefs.