Identity Foreclosure

Identity foreclosure is a stage of self-identity discovery in which an individual has an identity but hasn't explored other options or ideas. Most common in young adolescents, in this stage the individual has just adopted the traits and qualities of parents and friends.

To progress beyond this stage a person must develop their own identity by questioning their traits and exploring other options.

An example would be a 12 year old who says they are a member of the political party their parents support. They have chosen this identity for themselves but hasn't questioned why, or explored other ideas or options. Typically the late teens and early adulthood are when people begin to question their identity which leads to a progression from this stage. Sometimes an identity crisis can cause a person to leave the identity foreclosure stage.