James Marcia expanded on Erikson's theory of identity development and proposed four statuses of identity development in adolescents: diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement. Marcia's theory examines how adolescents develop their identity through exploring alternative roles and committing to an identity in important domains like occupation, religion and politics. The four statuses differ based on the level of crisis, or exploration of alternatives, and commitment exhibited by the adolescent. Marcia's theory provides a framework for understanding the process of identity development during late adolescence.