Adolescent Identity Status refers to the different ways young people explore and commit to their personal identities during the teenage years. This concept, developed by psychologist James Marcia, categorizes identity development into four statuses: identity diffusion, identity foreclosure, identity moratorium, and identity achievement. Each status reflects varying levels of exploration and commitment to personal beliefs, values, and goals. These statuses help to understand how adolescents navigate their sense of self. For example, in identity diffusion, individuals may lack direction and commitment, while those in identity achievement have explored options and made informed decisions about their identity. Understanding these statuses can aid parents and educators in supporting healthy identity development.