Stockholm Syndrome

Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological response wherein hostages or abductees develop a bond with their captors during captivity. Emotional bonds may be formed, between hostage and captor, that are generally considered irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims. This phenomenon can be seen as a form of traumatic bonding, which does not necessarily require a hostage scenario, but any situation where captors and captives spend time together.

Origin

The term was first used by the media in 1973 when four hostages were taken during a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden. The hostages defended their captors after being released and would not agree to testify in court against them. It was noted that they had developed emotional attachments to their captors, despite the danger they had been put in.

Causes

The causes of Stockholm Syndrome are complex and not fully understood, but certain factors are thought to contribute to its development:

• The presence of a perceived threat to one's physical or psychological survival and the belief that the captor would carry out that threat.
• The small kindnesses shown by the captors to the hostages, which may be magnified in a situation of terror.
• Isolation from perspectives other than those of the captor.
• The perceived inability to escape, which makes survival dependent on the captor.

These factors may lead to the disruption of the victim's previous worldview and the adoption of the captor's perspective.

Effects

Victims of Stockholm Syndrome tend to exhibit three primary behaviors:

• Positive feelings towards their captors,
• Negative feelings towards the police or authorities,
• Supportive behaviors towards their captors, potentially including defending them.

Treatment

Treatment for Stockholm Syndrome involves therapy that is similar to that used for other trauma-related disorders. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals develop healthier attitudes and beliefs, and to reduce feelings of fear, guilt, and dependency.

In popular culture

Stockholm Syndrome has been depicted in various movies, books, and television shows, often dramatizing the complex human behavior during hostage crises and other similar situations.

See also

• Lima Syndrome
• PTSD
• Kidnapping