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What is Stockholm syndrome?

Updated: 4/30/2024
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7y ago

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Stockholm Syndrome describes the behavior of kidnap victims who, over time, become sympathetic to their captors. The name derives from a 1973 hostage incident in Stockholm, Sweden. At the end of six days of captivity in a bank, several kidnap victims actually resisted rescue attempts, and afterwards refused to testify against their captors. While some people are suggesting the recent Elizabeth Smart kidnapping sounds like a case of Stockholm Syndrome, the most famous incident in the U.S. involved the kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst. Captured by a radical political group known as the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974, Ms. Hearst eventually became an accomplice of the group, taking on an assumed name and assisting them in several bank robberies. After her re-capture, she denounced the group and her involvement. What causes Stockholm Syndrome? Captives begin to identify with their captors initially as a defensive mechanism, out of fear of violence. Small acts of kindness by the captor are magnified, since finding perspective in a hostage situation is by definition impossible. Rescue attempts are also seen as a threat, since it's likely the captive would be injured during such attempts. It's important to note that these symptoms occur under tremendous emotional and often physical duress. The behavior is considered a common survival strategy for victims of interpersonal abuse, and has been observed in battered spouses, abused children, prisoners of war, and concentration camp survivors.

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9y ago
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2d ago

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where hostages form positive feelings, empathy, or even attachment towards their captors. This response is believed to be a survival mechanism and can occur when the captives feel utterly dependent on their captors for their survival.

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7y ago

People suffering from Stockholm syndrome come to identify with and even care for their captors in a desperate, usually unconscious act of self-preservation. It occurs in the most psychologically traumatic situations, often hostage situations or kidnappings, and its effects usually do not end when the crisis ends. Symptoms of Stockholm syndrome have also been identified in the slave/master relationship, in battered-spouse cases and in members of destructive cults.

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8y ago

During an extended robbery/ hostage situation in Stockholm Sweden, the captives began to identify with the captors. Psychological phenomenon.

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Q: What is Stockholm syndrome?
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Continue Learning about Psychology

What is the 'stockholm syndrome'?

Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological response that is sometimes seen in abducted hostages. The hostage(s) show signs of loyalty to the kidnapper, because sub-consciously, they think that if they get along better with the kidnapper, the kidnapper will be nicer to them and won't do them much harm or kill them, and may even release them.


Which cities have syndromes named after them?

Stockholm and Tokyo have syndromes named after them. Stockholm syndrome refers to a phenomenon where hostages develop emotional bonds with their captors, while Tokyo syndrome is a term used to describe the stress and culture shock experienced by individuals when visiting Tokyo.


Can children have the Stockholm Syndrome when a mother takes the children from the father?

Yes, children can develop Stockholm Syndrome in situations where they are taken from one parent to the other. This can happen due to the child's perceived dependence on the taking parent for their survival and safety, leading them to develop a bond with that parent as a coping mechanism.


Patty Hearst is clearly a victim with the Stockholm Syndrome what happened?

Patty Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in 1974. During her captivity, she was reportedly subjected to physical and mental abuse, leading to her eventual participation in criminal activities with the SLA. Some experts believe that her actions were influenced by a mix of coercion, manipulation, and survival instincts rather than Stockholm Syndrome specifically.


Did albert Einstein have feed of achochol syndrome?

There is no evidence to suggest that Albert Einstein had fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that occurs in children born to mothers who drank alcohol during pregnancy, leading to developmental and physical abnormalities.

Related questions

What causes stockholm syndrome?

Stockholm syndrome is caused by victims of trauma or kidnapping start sympathizing with their captors. Stockholm syndrome is a very well-known phenomenon.


The Stockholm Syndrome is an example of what defense mechanism?

Stockholm Syndrome is an example of the defense mechanism of identification.


Which syndrome is the complete opposite of Lima syndrome?

Stockholm syndrome.


Can domestic abuse and Stockholm Syndrome collide Meaning can feeling guilty while being abused be called Stockholm Syndrome?

An abused person can identify with their abuser. The abuse itself would not be called Stockholm Syndrome. How the abused feels about the abuser would be Stockholm Syndrome.


What rhymes with syndrome?

Stockholm


When was Stockholm Syndrome - Backyard Babies album - created?

Stockholm Syndrome - Backyard Babies album - was created in 2003.


What is that syndrome when hostage falls in love with the hostage taker?

When a person falls in love with, or has positive feelings towards their captors, it is known as Stockholm syndrome.


What syndrome has to do with captives identifying with their captors?

Commonly known as the "Stockholm Syndrome"


Do males get Stockholm Syndrome?

Anyone in a hostage situation can contract Stockholm Syndrome. The syndrome itself is the eventual identifying with the captors, and sympathizing with them. IT can take years of therapy to overcome the disorder.


What are the release dates for The Stockholm Syndrome - 2003?

The Stockholm Syndrome - 2003 was released on: USA: 2 February 2003 (Los Angeles, California)


What is muses heaviest song?

Stockholm Syndrome


How do you get help for Stockholm Syndrome?

One can consult a doctor. But the best treatment for Stockholm syndrome is intense therapy as well as the love and support from the prisoner's family.