NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

Fidelity is the term used to describe the capacity to understand and apply ethical principles within the context of Erikson's psychosocial development stages. In Erikson's theory, each stage of development presents a conflict that individuals must navigate, leading to the formation of a virtue. In the stage of adolescence, for example, fidelity is essential as it involves the ability to form committed relationships and a strong sense of identity. This emphasizes not just personal integrity but also the responsibility one has towards others and society as a whole. Fidelity indicates a deep commitment to ethical principles, ensuring that individuals not only understand right from wrong but also act with integrity based on that understanding.

The other terms, while important in different contexts, do not specifically relate to the understanding and application of ethical principles in Erikson's framework. Competence relates to the ability to perform tasks effectively, love pertains to deep emotional connections typically associated with later stages of development, and purpose is linked to the drive and motivation behind actions rather than the ethical implications of those actions.