What Is Stockholm Syndrome?

Understanding Stockholm syndrome

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Stockholm syndrome remains a controversial and complex phenomenon. While it provides a framework for understanding the paradoxical bond between victims and their captors, its validity as a psychological diagnosis is still questioned. Future research and theoretical advancements may offer more clarity, potentially leading to more effective ways to support and understand victims of such traumatic experiences.

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where hostages or abuse victims develop positive feelings towards their captors or abusers. This term originated from a 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, where hostages formed an emotional bond with their captors. Despite its frequent mention in media and popular culture, Stockholm syndrome is not officially recognized in any international psychiatric classification system1 5.

Definition and Phases

Stockholm syndrome involves a complex psychological response where the victim loses control over their life and begins to support and protect their aggressor. This syndrome typically progresses through three phases:

1. Positive Emotions Towards the Aggressor: Initially, the victim starts to develop positive feelings towards the captor.
2. Negative Attitude Towards Helpers: The victim then begins to harbor negative feelings towards those trying to help them.
3. Mutual Traumatic Connection: Finally, a deep, mutual traumatic bond forms between the victim and the captor2.

Theoretical Perspectives

Psychological and Biopsychological Models

Some researchers propose replacing the term “Stockholm syndrome” with “appeasement,” which can be explained through a biopsychological model like the Polyvagal Theory. This model suggests that the emotional connection victims appear to have with their captors is a survival strategy to calm the perpetrator and minimize harm3. This perspective aims to provide a more science-based explanation for the behaviors observed in victims, emphasizing resilience and long-term recovery.

Social and Historical Dimensions

Stockholm syndrome is not only an individual psychological response but also has social and historical dimensions. For instance, the concept of “Social Stockholm Syndrome” has been used to describe how lower-stratum societies develop admiration and imitation behaviors towards upper-stratum societies after prolonged periods of subjugation and oppression4.

Controversies and Criticisms

The legitimacy of Stockholm syndrome as a distinct psychological condition is debated. Some argue that it is more of an urban myth than a psychiatric diagnosis, given the lack of empirical evidence and its absence from official diagnostic manuals1 5. Others suggest that the term carries a judgmental weight and may not accurately reflect the victim’s experience, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the victim’s behavior in abusive situations9.

Broader Applications

Initially coined to describe hostage situations, the term “Stockholm syndrome” has since been applied to various contexts, including intimate partner violence, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking. This broad application has led to its use in debates about gender and race politics, as well as international relations6 7.