Psychology RootsStockholm Syndrome – Definition, History, Causes, and Treatment
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Abuse victims and hostages may develop Stockholm syndrome when they have a close relationship with their abusers or captors. It occurs after a prolonged period of time spent in captivity. It’s a bit dangerous to have this illness. It’s because there’s no longer a definite line separating danger from comradeship. Stockholm syndrome is said to be more prevalent in abduction and hostage situations when the kidnapper or prisoner is well-known.
Stockholm Syndrome
History of Stockholm Syndrome
Have you ever wondered where the phrase “Stockholm syndrome” came from in the first place??
In 1973, a heist occurred in Stockholm, Sweden. More than five days were spent imprisoning four bank workers during the heist. The captives started to form an unusual relationship with their kidnappers as their imprisonment progressed. It was due to their seemingly little deeds of goodwill. The robbed became more afraid of the police than the police were of the prisoners. Even the thought of rescuing became anathema to them.
Captives’ actions perplexed both the police and the broader public. Not only that, but the detainees were baffled as well. Psychiatrists have connected this kind of behaviour to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after conducting multiple investigations and research. Moreover, the prisoners were thankful to their abductors rather than the authorities, according to the report.
The term “Stockholm syndrome” was developed throughout this whole episode.
Symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm syndrome is characterised by the following symptoms in those who suffer from it.
- Feelings of gratitude towards their captors.
- a sense of pity and understanding for their captors
- There is resentment towards the police or any other authorized entity.
- Some of the other signs and symptoms of a traumatic stress disorder. A few of these symptoms include the inability to appreciate the things you used to, feelings of irritation and suspicion, jitteriness and anxiousness, and inability to concentrate.
Causes of Stockholm syndrome
Research into several examples of this disease has yielded no conclusive answers as to why it occurs.
It’s possible that the forefathers taught their offspring how to deal with this situation. Being taken or slain by another tribe was a real possibility in early society. Bonding with their captors, as a consequence, improved their prospects for surviving. This ancient method, according to some evolutionary psychiatrists, is a natural human feature.
In another viewpoint, it is said that the captivity or abuse scenario is extremely heated emotionally. When people exhibit kindness to their abusers, their sentiments change and they begin to acquire sympathy for their abusers.
Treatment
There is no conventional therapy for Stockholm syndrome since it is not recognised as a psychological illness. One might employ the same therapy procedures that are used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Because therapy may help you comprehend your experience, it is a good idea to seek it out. You may learn how your kidnappers were able to survive because of your empathy for them. You may also learn to go on in your life with the aid of counselling.
Summary
Abuse victims and hostages may develop Stockholm syndrome when they have a close relationship with their abusers or captors. It occurs after a prolonged period of time spent in captivity. Stockholm syndrome is said to be more prevalent in abduction and hostage situations when the kidnapper or prisoner is well-known. Feelings of gratitude towards their captors. A sense of pity and understanding for their abductors.
There is resentment towards the police or any other authorized entity. Feelings of irritation and suspicion, jitteriness and anxiety, and inability to concentrate. Stockholm syndrome is not recognised as a psychological illness.
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