1. Holden Caulfield “Leaving childhood”
A Developmental Psychology Approach
Presenter: Ms. Langley, Ed.S.
Bilingual School Psychologist

2. Erik Erikson: Stages of development
Identity vs. Role Confusion Ages 12-18
At this point, development now depends primarily upon what a person does. An adolescent must struggle to discover and find their identity, while negotiating and struggling with social interactions and “fitting in", and developing a sense of morality and right from wrong.
Some attempt to delay entrance to adulthood and withdraw from responsibilities (moratorium). Those unsuccessful with this stage tend to experience role confusion and upheaval. Adolescents begin to develop a strong affiliation and devotion to ideals, causes, and friends.

3. Discussion Question:
How have your values and opinions shifted in the past few years?

5. How TRAUMA can Impact Our Development
The Loss of His Brother ‘Allie’ = The Loss of Innocence.
In the field of rye lies the possibility of changing history: Page 173
Holden wishes he can save his brother from death, and he can save that classmate who committed suicide, and prevent himself from becoming anxious and surrounded by phonies who don’t ask, understand or care about the trauma he’s been through.

6. Identity crisis & anxiety are typical at this age
The lack of the ego identity in Holden leads him to run constantly from everything and everyone in life: “I don’t even know what I was running for--I guess I just felt like it”(Salinger 5). This statement represents Holden’s orientation towards his present life. His failure of achieving a conscious sense of self or, in other words, the identity crisis that he is experiencing, results in him running away whenever an opportunity is available.
Holden is also running away from his own feelings about being anxious, about what might happen if he ever stops long enough to examine himself and his emotions.

7. Depression
When feelings of sadness become chronic (lasting longer than two weeks) and impact our mood/behaviors and functioning.

8. Discussion Question:
What are some signs & symptoms that Holden is Depressed?

9. Mental health & breaking down stigma
Social & Cultural Stigma:
“Therapy is for crazy people.”
“Pray to God, it will go away.”
“Suck it up, you don’t need to be sad.”
“Be a man, boys don’t cry.”
“In my day we just kept our mouths shut and did what we needed to do.”
Self-Stigma:
“There must me something wrong with me.”
“Why can’t I just get out of bed, I’m so lazy.”
“I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“I’m weak.”
“Why does everyone else seem so happy."

10. Mental Health Support here at MHS:
School Adjustment Counselors: They see the majority of students for counseling-
Ms. Steinberg, Mr. Staines, & Ms. Broderick
School Psychologists:Involved with special education evaluations and counseling-
Ms. Langley & Mrs. Riley