Identity formation is a long, slow process, and not everyone reaches the status of identity achievement. Developmental psychologists believe that during the first half of adolescence (roughly ages 13-16) most people go through a period of diffusion, in which they are relatively apathetic and uninterested in questions of identity, and are definitely not ready to commit to a set of values or beliefs.

Photo of a group of young people taking a photograph of themselves on the beach

Teenagers in this status are drifting through life without a clear sense of direction and some remain in this status all through adolescence and into adulthood. An individual who scores low on both exploration and commitment is considered to be in diffusion.