Developmental researchers agree that there are many pathways to identity. Some of them lead us through experiences that will provide a solid foundation for building our identity, while other pathways are “wrong turns” or “dead ends.”

Erikson argued that the goal of the process was identity achievement. An adolescent who attains this status has:

1. struggled with questions of identity and purpose (the exploration component)
2. formed a direction for the future, including a provisional career choice and a set of important values and beliefs about key lifestyle issues of young adulthood, such as religion, politics, family, friendships, dating, and sex roles (the commitment component)

So, a person who scored high on both exploration and commitment would be classified in the status of identity achievement. Researchers have found that individuals in this status tend to be mature, balanced thinkers. Although they have committed themselves to a particular identity, they remain willing to explore their identities further if the situation requires it.