Erikson considered development of a stable identity to be the primary developmental task of adolescents and viewed adolescence as a period of "psychosocial moratorium" during which an individual experiments with different roles before choosing one. James Marcia distinguished four identity states or patterns that characterize adolescence:

1. Identity diffusion - the adolescent has not yet experienced an identity crisis, explored alternatives, or committed to an identity.

2. Identity foreclosure - when an adolescent has not experienced a crisis, but has adopted an identity (occupation, ideology) imposed by others, identity foreclosure has occurred.

3. Identity moratorium - a period marked by confusion, discontent and rebellion, identity moratorium occurs when an adolescent experiences an identity crisis and is actively exploring alternative identities.

4. Identity achieved - the identity crisis has been resolved by evaluation of alternatives and commitment to an identity.