Final answer:
According to Marcia, the extent of crisis or commitment in the self-development process is termed 'identity status', which is central to an individual's self-identity formation during adolescence.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Marcia, the extent of an individual's crisis or commitment in the process of developing a self is called identity status. The concept of identity status refers to the presence or absence of crisis and commitment in various domains of an adolescent's life, which are integral to the task of identity formation. A crisis involves exploring different ways of being, which often leads to committing to certain choices about one's roles and beliefs.
Developing a strong sense of self-identity is crucial for navigating psychosocial changes during adolescence. This sense of self is vital for later stages such as developing intimate relationships in early adulthood and achieving a sense of integrity versus despair in late adulthood.