Some people take a shortcut called foreclosure (or simply closure). Rather than struggling to form their own identity, they build an identity based on the values and beliefs of others, usually the parents. Joining a cult or a gang can also lead to foreclosure, as the group provides a new worldview and sense of identity.

Although most teens in foreclosure status have conformed to their parents’ wishes, a minority define themselves by reacting against the expectations of their parents or community. This is called negative identity, because these teens still don’t know who they are... only who they are not! Because foreclosure represents a commitment formed without substantial exploration, a person who scores low on exploration and high on commitment would be in this category.

Some teens may be satisfied with diffusion or foreclosure, but eventually, most of them will begin to struggle more actively with questions of identity, experimenting with different roles and lifestyles but making no commitment to any of them. This identity status is called moratorium, and is signaled by a high score on exploration and a low score on commitment.