The Stockholm Syndrome

Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological condition where a person develops emotional bonds, trust, or empathy towards their captor or abuser, often as a survival strategy. This unexpected bond can lead the hostage or victim to defend or feel sympathy for the abuser, sometimes even resisting rescue efforts. It typically arises in situations of prolonged control or captivity, where the victim’s sense of dependence and fear creates a paradoxical attachment. Understanding this phenomenon helps explain why some hostages or abuse victims may appear to sympathize with or defend their oppressors.