Stockholm Syndrome: When Captivity Becomes Connection

Stockholm Syndrome (also known as “emotional bonding in captivity”) is a psychological phenomenon in which a person who is held in captivity or under coercion develops feelings of closeness and identification with their captor. The trauma experienced by the victim in such situations can create positive emotions toward the abuser or dominant figure, even when that person is endangering their life. This occurs despite the irrationality of such feelings.

The term “Stockholm Syndrome” originates from a 1973 incident in Stockholm, Sweden. During this event, a robber broke into a bank and held four employees hostage inside the bank’s vault for five and a half days- remaining inside with them the entire time. After their release, interviews with the hostages revealed that they felt empathy and identification with their captor. Psychological studies of similar events around that time confirmed the existence of this phenomenon.

When Does Stockholm Syndrome Occur?
Stockholm Syndrome tends to develop under the following specific conditions:

1. No Escape: The victim is held without the ability to flee- at least during the initial phase of captivity.

2. Dependency: The captor controls the victim’s life or well-being, creating a relationship of dependency.

3. Power Imbalance: The dynamic between the captor and victim is one of dominance and control.

The longer the period of captivity, the higher the risk of the victim developing Stockholm Syndrome. This is because the victim has more time to get to know the captors and potentially identify with their goals. Psychologically, this identification serves as a defense mechanism against the overwhelming stress of the situation.

What Happens to Someone Experiencing Stockholm Syndrome?
Initially, the victim cooperates with the captor as a means of self-preservation, believing that cooperation may prevent harm. Over time, the idea of escaping or being rescued can become frightening. The victim may begin to prefer the perceived safety of captivity over the real or imagined risks of freedom.

As the victim spends more time with the captors, they may start to internalize the captor’s worldview. In more extreme cases, the victim may deny the reality of their situation. Even after rescue, the victim might reject the notion that their captors harmed them and may even blame the rescuers for trying to punish the captors.

Aftermath and Psychological Impact
Following release, individuals suffering from Stockholm Syndrome may experience symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, confusion, hypervigilance, and difficulty trusting others.

Can Stockholm Syndrome Be Treated?
Treatment can be complex and challenging, largely because the victim often does not recognize that they were in a harmful situation. In fact, they may sympathize with their captors and resent their rescuers. In some cases, the syndrome can cause the individual to sever ties with their previous life of family, friends, and support systems.

With patience, love, understanding, and consistent support from family and loved ones, combined with psychiatric care, recovery is possible. Over time, therapy can help the individual detach from the psychological grip of the syndrome and return to a healthy and functional life.