Table of Contents Show
Hostages sometimes experience sympathy for their captors, rather than feelings of hatred and fear. They may even become angry with those who try to help them and justify their captors’ actions. This psychological phenomenon is known as Stockholm syndrome. Although it is often associated with hostages, it can also occur in other situations, such as when victims of domestic violence idealize their abusers or when subordinates remain attached to their tyrannical bosses for extended periods. The new issue of the psychology guide discusses Stockholm syndrome in more detail.
What is Stockholm Syndrome?
Victims of trauma may experience a feeling of empathy, attachment, or even romantic love towards their aggressors, a psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm Syndrome. This seemingly irrational response is actually a defense mechanism triggered by the psyche under high levels of stress. By mentally aligning oneself with a stronger individual, victims may find it easier to shield themselves from traumatic experiences. Stockholm Syndrome is not considered a disease or mental disorder, but rather a form of adaptive behavior to resist emotional and physical violence.
The term Stockholm Syndrome was coined by Swedish psychiatrist and criminologist Nils Bejerot, who studied the unusual behavior of hostages during the 1973 Stockholm bank robbery. The hostages, consisting of three women and one man who were held captive in the bank’s vault for six days, did not blame their captors upon their release. They even refused to testify against them in court and paid for their attackers’ lawyers. The hostages explained their actions by stating that the captors had not done anything bad to them and therefore, they had no resentment towards them.
Cases of Stockholm syndrome have been observed in numerous well-known instances. For instance, Patricia Hearst, who was kidnapped for ransom, joined a terrorist group and took part in robberies with her captors. Natasha Kampusch demonstrated remorse and sympathy towards the man who kept her captive for eight years in his basement. Sean Hornbeck used the phone and went for walks but did not attempt to escape from his abductor. Iwon Riddle spent 11 days in captivity with Islamic terrorists, and several years after her release voluntarily converted to Islam.
This type of behavior is not only limited to extraordinary situations, but it also occurs in everyday life, known as Stockholm syndrome. Victims of domestic violence often experience it towards their abusers. Women not only do not leave their violent partners but also justify their behavior with their own mistakes. Corporate Stockholm syndrome is also present when an employee experiences loyalty to the company and sympathy towards a tyrant boss, even though they suffer poor working conditions and management attitudes. Stockholm syndrome has been observed in young athletes seeking explanations for the actions of cruel coaches or supporters of certain political parties. If you have thoughts and attitudes similar to these examples, you may be experiencing Stockholm syndrome.
Why does it occur?
Need for safety
Stockholm Syndrome is a coping mechanism, a behavioral principle utilized to manage high-stress situations. We use various coping mechanisms in our daily lives, like avoiding news that upsets or angers us. Stockholm Syndrome operates on the same principle. During intense fear and stress, the consciousness undergoes a reorientation: being closer to the aggressor seems safer than opposing them. Some victims start to believe that the aggression is their fault since they can control themselves and their behavior but not the abuser.
Close contact with the aggressor
The FBI has studied over 1200 crimes involving hostage-taking or kidnapping and found that Stockholm syndrome occurs in only 8% of cases. In all of them, there were similar circumstances: the victims spent several days with the aggressors in the same location and communicated with them.
“Kindness” of the aggressor
The whip and sugar method applies here, even if the sugar is very small. The kidnapper does not always show aggression, and sometimes does something good for the hostage – feeds, unties, or simply doesn’t beat them.
Inability to escape
The victim may not necessarily be with tied hands in a tight bank vault. Lack of money, unemployment, and a dependent child’s relationship with their parent may also hinder escape from the grip of the abuser.
Personality traits
People with signs of dependent personality disorder are more prone to Stockholm syndrome. Its main features are the desire to transfer important decision-making to others, excessive submissiveness and softness of character, feelings of helplessness and fear of independent life. Even decisions about everyday issues are difficult for these people to make without advice and encouragement from others.
Possible Risks
Although Stockholm syndrome is not considered a disease, it can have a negative impact on a person. The main danger is that the victim has a false perception of reality. This interferes with the recognition of danger and escaping the control of the aggressor. Thus, victims of domestic violence often act in the same way – they refuse help, defend their abusers. As a result, their chances of survival and a normal life are reduced.
People who have experienced Stockholm syndrome may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Its symptoms include traumatic memories of the traumatic past, flashbacks, accompanied by anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and nightmares. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder was diagnosed in Patricia Hearst, who joined her kidnappers. Also, victims who have experienced Stockholm syndrome have been observed to have depression, social isolation, and loss of interest in everyday activities.
What to do
It is very difficult to understand that you are experiencing Stockholm syndrome on your own. Psychological defense works in such a way that the victim does not understand or denies that they are being subjected to violence and therefore rejects any help. However, to detect Stockholm syndrome and cope with its consequences, it is necessary to see a psychologist or psychiatrist. For example, two types of psychotherapy are particularly effective for post-traumatic stress disorder often occurring on the background of Stockholm syndrome: cognitive-behavioral and narrative. There are data that they help some people better than medication.
Despite the fact that in many cases it is not possible to do without the help of a specialist, there are some things that can be done on your own:
- Try to describe your relationships in the family or at work objectively, starting at least with the events of the past week or even day. Remember, the main thing is not to express your attitude towards them and avoid characterizations. Only facts are needed. Talk to people from the outside. Perhaps a friend or relative can help you understand what is happening to you.
- Try to find information about Stockholm syndrome. Read books, watch documentaries, look for information on the Internet. Take care of yourself: eat well, sleep well, do physical activity, avoid alcohol and drugs. Think about what you would like to change in your life, what your goals are, what you want to achieve. It is important to understand that recovery from Stockholm syndrome is a long process that requires effort and patience. But it is possible.
Responses