High-profile kidnappings and hostage situations are frequently associated with Stockholm syndrome. Regular individuals may also experience this psychological condition as a result of numerous sorts of trauma, in addition to well-known criminal situations.
In this post, we’ll look more closely at what the Stockholm syndrome is, how it gained its name, the kinds of circumstances that could cause someone to experience it, and treatments available.
What is Stockholm syndrome?
A psychological reaction is called the Stockholm syndrome. When captives or abuse victims form bonds with their captors or abusers, it happens. Over the course of days, weeks, months, or even years of confinement or torture, a psychological link forms.
With this condition, captives or victims of torture could start to feel sorry for their captors. This is the exact reverse of what could be anticipated from the victims under these circumstances, which would be dread, horror, and contempt.
Some captives do, in fact, begin to harbor favorable sentiments toward them over time. They could even start to feel as though they support the same causes and aims. The victim can start feeling unfavorable things towards the police or other authorities. They could be hostile to anyone who tries to save them from the perilous circumstance they’re in.
This paradox does not always occur with hostages or victims, and it is not known why it does so occasionally.
Many psychologists and medical experts view Stockholm syndrome as a coping technique, or a means of assisting victims in overcoming the stress of a horrific scenario. In fact, the syndrome’s history could aid in explaining why it is.
What is the history?
There have probably been instances of the so-called Stockholm syndrome for many years, perhaps even millennia. However, it wasn’t until 1973 that this reaction to coercion or abuse received a name.
After a bank heist in Stockholm, Sweden, two guys took four people hostage for six days at that time. After being freed, the hostages declined to testify against their captors and even started fund-raising for their defense.
After that, psychiatrists and mental health professionals gave the illness that happens when hostages form an emotional or psychological attachment to the individuals holding them captive the name “Stockholm syndrome.”
Despite being well known, the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not list Stockholm syndrome as a mental disorder. Mental health professionals and other specialists use this guidebook to identify mental health issues.
What are the symptoms?
Three unique “symptoms” or events help to identify Stockholm syndrome.
These emotions are generally brought on by the very emotional circumstances present during a hostage scenario or abuse cycle.
People who are abducted or held hostage, for instance, frequently feel threatened by their captor, yet they also depend on them heavily to survive. If the kidnapper or abuser treats them nicely, they could start to like their captor for his or her “sensitivity.”
Over time, that perception starts to change and distort how they see the person who is abusing them or holding them prisoner.
Examples of Stockholm syndrome
High profile Stockholm syndrome incidents have followed a number of well-known kidnappings, including those that are listed below.
Stockholm syndrome in today’s society
Although a hostage or kidnapping situation is the most prominent context for Stockholm syndrome, it can also occur in a variety of different situations and interpersonal interactions.
Treatment
You can get assistance if you think you or someone you know has Stockholm syndrome. Counseling or psychological treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder can assist in the near term by easing the symptoms of recovery, such as depression and anxiety.
You or a loved one may benefit even more from long-term psychotherapy for your rehabilitation.
You can learn healthy coping skills and reaction techniques from psychologists and psychotherapists to better understand what happened, why it happened, and how you can go on. Positive feelings can be reassigned to assist you see that what happened wasn’t your fault.
The bottom line
A coping mechanism is the Stockholm syndrome. It can occur in victims of abuse or kidnapping.
Although fear or dread may be the most prevalent emotions under such circumstances, some people start to feel admiration or sympathy for their kidnapper or abuser. Some people may not want to cooperate with or speak to the authorities. They could even be reluctant to confront their abductor or abuser.
The formal diagnosis for Stockholm syndrome is not one of mental illness. It is believed to be a coping technique instead. People who experience abuse, human trafficking, incest, or terrorism may acquire it. Recovery can be greatly aided by receiving appropriate therapy.