Stockholm syndrome
 

STOCKHOLM SYNDROME SUMMARY (Dr. L.R. Graham, Ph.D., 1992) Conditions for its development: Person perceives another person threatening her/his psychological and/or physical survival. Victim perceives victimizer showing her/him some kindness, however small. Victim is (ideologically and/or physically) isolated from outsiders. Victim does not perceive a way to escape from victimizer. Psychodynamics of Stockholm Syndrome: Abuser traumatizes victim (who cannot escape) with threat to survival.  Terrorized victim needs nurturing and protection.  Being isolated from outsiders, victim must turn to abuser for nurturing and protection, as she/he denies her/his rage.  If abuser shows victim some kindness, victim bonds to positive side of abuser, denying side that causes terror.  Victim works to see the world from abuser’s perspective so that she/he will know what will keep abuser happy, thus helping to insure her/his survival.  As a result, victim becomes hyper-vigilant to abuser’s needs and unaware of own needs; sees world from abuser’s perspective, denying her/his own perspective.  Eventually, victim experiences own sense of self through abuser’s eyes.  Victim finds it difficult to separate from abuser because: (1) she/he fears showing any disloyalty to the abuser will cause said abuser to retaliate and that the abuser may see separation as a form of disloyalty, (2) she/he has denied the violent side of the abuser and thus the danger, (3) she/he fears losing the only positive relationship available to her/him and (4) the only identity that remains is her/his self as seen through the abuser’s eye. Indicators that Stockholm Syndrome has developed: Victim is bonded with abuser (actually, bond is two-way). Victim is intensely grateful for any small kindness shown by abuser. Victim denies abuser’s violence against her/him or rationalizes violence.  Denies own anger. Victim is hyper-vigilant to abuser’s needs; seeks to keep abuser happy Victim sees world from abuser’s perspective Victim sees outside authorities trying to win her/his release (e.g. police, therapists, etc.) as bad guys and abuser as good guy.  Sees abuser as protecting her/him. Victim finds it difficult to leave abuser even after her/his release has been won. Victim fears abuser will come back to get her/him even after abuser is dead or in prison. Victim shows PTSD symptoms (physical and psycho-physiological complaints, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety reactions, paranoid patterns, and feelings of helplessness).  Nightmares and flashbacks may intrude.