Stockholm Syndrome: What is it, Symptoms, Treatment

A coping mechanism, Stockholm Syndrome, can be described as a condition in which the victim develops an emotional relationship with the abuser. These positive feelings are a response to different types of trauma. Stockholm syndrome is not a mental health diagnosis, but a response to abuse. Many high-profile kidnappings testify to this syndrome in the victims. In fact, one study shows that eight percent of hostage victims suffer from this syndrome.

What is Stockholm Syndrome?

Stockholm syndrome is a form of trauma bonding. It is a condition in which the victim or abused person forms an emotional bond with the abuser. It is a complex response to trauma that is named after an incident that occurred in Stockholm, Sweden in 1973. The history of how the term came about is explained in the US Department of Justice states that two robbers held four bank employees hostage for six days. During a bank robbery, the victims developed feelings and emotional bonds with the robbers. They even defended them later when the case was resolved. They refused to testify against them.

Symptoms of Stockholm syndrome

Although Stockholm syndrome is not recognized in the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is a coping mechanism that exhibits certain characteristics.

1. Positive feelings towards the kidnappers

The victims develop a positive emotional bond with the kidnappers, which can be confusing for both the victims and others who want to understand the situation. In a study published in the Journal for Psychosocial Wellbeingthe victims develop this bond during the intimate time they spend with their captors. It usually happens when the kidnapper threatens the victim’s life but does not kill him or her.

2. Defending perpetrators

People who suffer from Stockholm Syndrome even go so far as to defend their kidnappers. This may seem to stem from a complex sense of fear and emotional attachment. A research paper published in the Journal for Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research suggests that here the hostages come to believe in the humanity of their captor and no longer see them as a threat.

Also read

3. Refusal to cooperate with authorities

Victims may be reluctant to cooperate with authorities because they believe the perpetrators have done something that is in their best interest. A study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Well-beingtells the story of the granddaughter of businessman and newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst; Patty Hearst, in 1974, who is taken hostage by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), an urban guerrilla group. It is later revealed that she joined the SLA to rob banks in San Francisco.

4. A perceived inability to escape

A study published in BMC International Health and Human Rightsstates that sex workers experienced a situation where they could not escape after months of isolation and violence. They saw others trying to escape but not being able to. This also contributes to Stockholm syndrome.

Causes of Stockholm Syndrome in Today’s Context

Stockholm syndrome is not only seen in hostage situations involving bank robberies or other forms of kidnapping. There are many different situations that can lead to the development of this syndrome.

1. Domestic violence

The victims unconsciously develop an emotional bond that increases their chance of survival. This is evident from a study published in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatryargues that reconciliation is the way victims combat the traumatic challenge presented to them.

2. Child abuse

A study published in the Journal of Child Sexual Abusestates that adult victims of child sexual abuse may exhibit symptoms of Stockholm syndrome. An emotional bond is created between the abuser and the child, and this bond continues for years, even after the abuse has stopped and the child has grown up.

Also read: Childhood Trauma Can Affect Children for Life: Know the Side Effects

3. Sex workers

This syndrome can be seen in sex workers who depend on their abusers for their daily needs of money or food. This is when they develop positive feelings towards the person who traumatizes them. A study conducted by BMC International Health and Human Rights, analyzed the situation of sex workers in India. They were all seen to exhibit symptoms of Stockholm syndrome such as physical isolation and psychological demoralization; and perhaps most strikingly, the presence of a romantic relationship with the trafficker, the study said.

4. Abusive sports coaching

Yes, there have also been cases of Stockholm Syndrome in youth athletics. A study published in Children Australiastates that athletes sympathize and defend their coach’s traumatic actions.

How do you diagnose Stockholm syndrome?

The American Psychological Association has not classified it as a specific mental health condition in its diagnostic manual. “It does not have a specific and direct diagnosis. However, mental health professionals can try to understand it through the emotional response of the clients to traumatic experiences,” Pandey explains.

How do you treat Stockholm syndrome?

The line of treatment for Stockholm syndrome may consist of drug therapies or a combination of both, depending on the severity of symptoms experienced by the victim. Therapies can help recover from symptoms of PTSD, stress, depression and other associated symptoms. “A therapist can help the victim learn the coping mechanism to help them process the way they are feeling. Cognitive restructuring can help restructure thoughts, thus shaping victims’ attitudes and beliefs in more constructive ways,” says Pandey. Therapies can also help replace unhelpful negative thoughts with helpful positive thoughts.

Resume

Stockholm Syndrome can be seen as a coping mechanism against a captor and is most commonly seen in kidnappings and hostage situations. However, it can also be exhibited by victims of repeated sexual abuse and domestic violence. Various therapies can help victims. The goal of therapies for Stockholm Syndrome is to help victims learn healthy ways to cope with the trauma and live a better life.