Stockholm syndrome generally refers to a situation in which the hostage person develops a possible vulnerability, attachment and understanding towards the kidnapper. This occurs when the hostage person does not view the kidnapper in an accusatory manner and even sympathizes with him. What is interesting is that the hostage feels loyalty to the kidnapper even though his life is in danger. Stockholm Syndrome is an example of the complexity of human psychology and the interesting ways in which defense mechanisms are used.
Where does the name Stockholm syndrome come from?
The name Stockholm syndrome comes from a bank robbery that occurred in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1973. The story of Stockholm syndrome is as follows:
Bank robber Clark Olofsson and his friend Jan-Erik Olsson robbed Kreditbanken bank and took 4 bank officials hostage. The hostages stayed with the robbers for 6 days. During this time, one of the hostages, Kristin Enmark, began to feel sympathy and even sympathy for the robbers. The robbers also began to sympathize with the hostages. Enmark fell in love with Olsson, one of the robbers, and said she wanted to marry him. This incident led to the first diagnosis of Stockholm syndrome, which is known as hostages developing positive feelings towards their hostages. The name of the syndrome comes from this event.
What is Stockholm syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a series of emotional reactions that hostages develop towards their hostage takers. The emotions of this syndrome, which we can associate with the term “The lamb fell in love with the wolf” that we often hear among the public, may include sympathy, closeness, and even love. “What causes Stockholm syndrome?” The answer to the question is complex. The causes of Stockholm syndrome can be complex and multifaceted:
- If the hostage person feels constantly under physical or emotional threat, it can put them in a vulnerable position. In this case, the kidnapper may be perceived as the person protecting the hostage.
- The fact that the hostage person develops a sense of empathy towards the kidnapper can be associated with the natural desire to help and loyalty in people. This may mean that the hostage sees the kidnapper as a human being and forms an emotional bond.
- The hostage person may experience a feeling of inability to control the situation or dependence on the kidnapper. This may cause the hostage to form a bond with the kidnapper.
- The hostage person may have the hope that if he develops a positive attitude towards the kidnapper, this person will not harm him or will release him.
What are the symptoms of Stockholm syndrome?
Although Stockholm syndrome usually occurs in hostage situations, similar emotional attachment reactions can be observed in other traumatic situations. This phenomenon is an example to understand the complexity of human psychology and the interesting ways of defense mechanisms. Stockholm syndrome symptoms are as follows:
- A person may become disconnected from reality and lose his own perspective.
- The person may try to please the bully in order to protect himself.
- The person sees himself as the culprit of the situation he is experiencing.
- A person’s sense of gratitude develops towards the bully.
- The person may ignore violence and mistreatment.
- A person can empathize with the bully and create an emotional bond.
How is Stockholm syndrome treated?
Stockholm syndrome treatment is usually done with psychotherapy. Thanks to psychotherapy, a person can understand the effects of trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms. In this case, the main purpose of psychotherapy is to reduce stress and fear in the person. In the treatment of Stockholm syndrome, in addition to psychotherapy, drug therapy can also be followed when necessary. It is important for people experiencing Stockholm syndrome to pay attention to the following points during the treatment process:
- One should not judge or blame oneself.
- Must trust the treatment process.
- It is important to get support from family and friends outside of the therapist.
Who gets Stockholm syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that often occurs in hostage situations. However, it can be seen not only in a certain group of people, but in various situations and in different individuals. Stockholm syndrome may be encountered especially in the following situations and contexts:
- Hostage situations can cause the syndrome.
- It may occur as a result of a long-term toxic, abusive relationship.
- Stockholm syndrome may also occur in cases of domestic bullying.
- Coercive leadership or bossiness at work can reveal this syndrome in an employee.
- Social pressure or ideologies may reveal this syndrome.
