Which identity status describes having explored options and made commitments?

• A. Identity achievement
• B. Moratorium
• C. Diffusion
• D. Foreclosure

Answer: (A)

Exploration of options followed by making a commitment describes identity achievement. In this stage of identity development, a person actively tries out different roles, beliefs, and possibilities (the exploration or crisis phase) and then settles on and commits to a stable sense of self, such as a chosen career path, values, or lifestyle. This contrasts with moratorium, where exploration continues without a final commitment; foreclosure, where a commitment is adopted without ample exploration (often from authority or social expectations); and diffusion, where there is neither exploration nor commitment. For example, a student who experiments with several majors or values and then chooses one and sticks with it demonstrates identity achievement.