Which identity status is characterized by a lack of commitment and active exploration?

The identity status characterized by a lack of commitment and active exploration is indeed identity diffusion. In this status, individuals are not actively engaged in exploring their options or making commitments to various roles, beliefs, or goals. They may feel apathetic about their identity or future, exhibiting a sense of confusion or a lack of direction regarding who they are or what they want to become. This can often result in a feeling of inertia, where individuals might drift from one experience to another without a sense of purpose or integration.

In contrast, moratorium status, while it shares elements of exploration, involves a state of active searching for identity where individuals are engaged in examining their options even if they haven't made commitments yet. Identity achievement refers to those who have explored their options and made firm commitments to their beliefs and goals. Foreclosure status involves a commitment to beliefs or values without prior exploration, thus lacking the critical aspect of active exploration associated with identity diffusion. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify why identity diffusion specifically embodies a lack of both commitment and exploration.