What characterizes identity foreclosure?

Identity foreclosure is characterized by an individual making a commitment to an identity without engaging in the necessary exploration of various options or experiences associated with that identity. This means that the person has accepted a set of beliefs, values, or roles, often influenced by external pressures (such as parents or societal expectations), without truly investigating or reflecting on what those beliefs mean to them personally.

This stage is contrasted with other identity statuses, which include exploration, where individuals actively search and consider different identities, and identity achievement, which involves arriving at a stable and well-considered identity after exploration. In identity foreclosure, the lack of exploration can result in an identity that may feel imposed or superficial, lacking in personal significance or authenticity.