Stockholm syndrome

Stockholm syndrome (pronunciation: /ˈstɒkhoʊm/ /ˈsɪndroʊm/) is a psychological response where a captive begins to identify closely with his or her captors, as well as with their agenda and demands.

Etymology

The term "Stockholm syndrome" 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. Stockholm syndrome is also known as Survival Identification Syndrome.

Definition

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages express empathy and have positive feelings towards their captors, sometimes to the point of defending them. These feelings are generally considered irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims, who essentially mistake a lack of abuse from their captors for an act of kindness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Stockholm syndrome include:

Positive feelings by the victim toward the abuser/controller
Negative feelings by the victim toward family, friends, or authorities trying to rescue/support them or win their release
Support of the abuser's reasons and behaviors
Positive feelings by the abuser toward the victim
Supportive behaviors by the victim, at times helping the abuser

Related Terms

Trauma Bonding: A strong emotional attachment between an abused person and his or her abuser, formed as a result of the cycle of violence.
Battered Person Syndrome: A physical and psychological condition of a person who has suffered (usually persistent) emotional, physical, or sexual abuse from another person.
Learned Helplessness: A condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Stockholm syndrome
Wikipedia's article - Stockholm syndrome

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Stockholm syndrome