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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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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?

Jerusalem Syndrome - wherein tourists become religious zealots to the point of acting like ancient prophets.Stockholm Syndrome - wherein hostages become fond of their captors.Paris Syndrome - wherein mainly Japanese tourists experience severe culture shock.Florence Syndrome (aka Stendahl's Synrdrome) - wherein tourists become overwhelmed by art.


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?

When Patty Hearst was kidnapped on February 4, 1974, most people had never heard of the Stockholm Syndrome. There has been so much research done and much more is known about this condition then when Hearst was forced to participate in armed robberies for the radical extreme-left cult, the SLA. The jury felt Hearst was a spoiled rich heiress getting her 'kicks' by tormenting the 'establishment'. In retrospect it is clear that Hearst was not only a victim of her captors but by the legal system as well. But Patty was made of stronger stuff. After serving her prison sentence and was paroled, she married and had children, and despite everything, did not let this ruin her life. This horrible injustice does not define her. *President Jimmy Carter granted Heast executive clemency in January 1979.


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.