Stockholm syndrome

Definition
Stockholm syndrome is a coping mechanism to a captive or abusive situation. People develop
positive feelings toward their captors or abusers over time

Etymology
The origin of the term Stockholm Syndrome arose in the aftermath of a well-documented robbery
which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1973.

Etiology
It is not entirely clear why some people may develop Stockholm Syndrome.

It is thought to be a survival mechanism in the way that a person may create bonds with their captor
as a method of coping with the extreme and scary situation they are in.

Function
Stockholm syndrome as an actual survival strategy for victims. This is because it seems to increase
victims’ chances of survival

incidence
The FBI estimates that fewer than 8% of kidnapping victims show evidence of Stockholm syndrome
because this syndrom is rare

classification
Although Stockholm syndrome was named based on the location of a bank robbery-hostage
situation, some of the same behaviors and feelings are seen in victims of other types of trauma,
including:

• Sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

• Child abuse.
• Coach-athlete abuse.
• Human sex trafficking.

Signs of Stockholm Syndrome

• Humanizing and empathizing with their captor or abuser
• A powerful emotional or psychological bond between a victim and their abuser
• A victim who tries to protect or defend their captor or abuser from authorities
• Denial or minimization of abuse, torture, or other maltreatment of the abuser
• Selective memory of times when their abuser was kind or affectionate to them
• A refusal to cooperate with authorities trying to intervene, help, or rescue them
Symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome
• Feeling closely bonded or attached to the captor or abuser
• Regressing to a childlike state of dependence
• nability to make decisions or be independent
• Lowered self-esteem or loss of identity
• Defensiveness, distrust, or anger towards others attempting to help them

Diagnosis
While Stockholm syndrome is not a diagnosable mental health condition, it is something that has
been both observed and researched.

Some of this research has worked to document a list of ‘symptoms’ observed in people who appear
to suffer from Stockholm syndrome.

treatment

• therapy
• psychiatrist
• drugs
• Etc

prognostic
Even after being released from captivity, the person with Stockholm Syndrome may continue to have
positive feelings towards their captor and may report some of the following symptoms:

• Confusion
• Guilt
• Denial
• Embarrassment about their emotions towards the captor

Prevention
there is no prevention because it is an unexpected traumatic experience that triggers it

complications

People with Stockholm Syndrome may often report symptoms which are similar to those with
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as

• Being easily startled

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Insomnia