Introduction
Psychology is always a fact of interest, research and experiment of human nature and mind. But human complexities and sociopsychological facts day by day are increasing incredibly that unravel discrete, uncertain idiosyncrasies beyond human perception. Identifying the different chamber of mental cells Psychology works. It works as a process of character development adjusting the laws of human behavior. Stockholm Syndrome is one of the most typical psychological aspects that might create hardships in normal mental state. Psychology is very correctly connected with sociology, where the main topic is human being and society. Psychiatrists first use the term Stockholm syndrome to portray very basic set of psychological characteristics first observed in people taken hostage during a 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm. In that particular incident, basically two men held four bank employees hostage at gunpoint for six days inside a bank vault. When the standoff ended, the victims appeared to have developed positive feelings or affection, might be said for their captors and even expressed compassion toward them. This psychological imbalance is named after the town Stockholm. Though it is very unnatural to understand how after a terrifying, life-threatening ordeal, the captives can be form emotional attachments towards their captors.
Symptoms
There are certain symptoms that might provide some clear idea of this specific problem. A person with the tendencies of Stockholm syndrome may start to identify with or form a close, private connection to the people who have taken him or her hostage, the captive may start to sympathize or agree with the hostage takers and may also become emotionally dependent on them. Depression can also be a very important factor to emphasize on the fearful, tensed mind of the captive because of having true passions for the captors.
There is no clear set of criteria or organized views used to identify whether someone has Stockholm syndrome. In addition, the symptoms could overlap and mix up with those associated with other diagnoses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and “learned helplessness”, various negativities. In the latter phenomenon, people repeatedly exposed to stressful situations that are beyond their control lose the ability to make decisions by their own.
Along with positive response towards the captors, there can be negatives feelings too: such as anger and distrust, etc.
The Abuser or the Captor
According to the psychologists, in these kinds of cases, the abusers are highly narcissistic, often psychopathic individuals, who use to manipulate and cruel to satisfy their own need for power and control over the innocents. Along with narcissistic Personality Disorder and Psychopathy is high and often it is the antisocial behavior with callousness, lack of empathy, and criminal versatility are often noted in the Captor. They share the selfish focus of need gratification and the desire to control others. There works a strong psychopathic mind behind it that ignores common goals in life.
The Abused or Captive
That is very righteous to imply upon that the captive has to be very ‘ weak’ or ‘needy’ kind of personality to be attracted by the captors. There sort of works a deep demand or dependent thoughts in the captive ‘s mind. Though there is another theory that emotionally bonding with an abuser can actually be a strategy for survival for victims of abuse and intimidation. Their individual personality is developing the feelings and thoughts needed to survive the situation and lower their mental and physical risks. For survival, this can be a perfect strategy. This strategy can work as a abusive relationship in the first impression but there are cases of true love from the stories of captivity. Hostages also learn from that situation that, in order to survive, they must become attuned to the reactions of their captors and develop psychological traits that please those individuals, such as dependency and compliance.
Modern View
By the 21st century, psychologists had expanded their understanding of the Stockholm syndrome from hostages to other groups, including victims of domestic violence, cult members, prisoners of war, procured prostitutes, and abused children. The American Psychiatric Association does not include Stockholm syndrome in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). In a sentence, any kind abusive relationship can be grabbed as a part of Stockholm Syndrome. It’s not entirely clear why Stockholm syndrome occurs. Mental health experts have suggested it’s a protective strategy and coping method for victims of emotional and physical abuse. Experts have speculated that it’s the intensity of the traumatic incident along with a lack of physical abuse toward victims, despite the victims’ fear of its occurrence, that creates a climate conducive to Stockholm syndrome. However, law enforcement and mental health professionals recognize that Stockholm syndrome can occur, so there’s a general acceptance and awareness of the condition. With so few cases, it’s also unclear how Stockholm syndrome affects the mental health of someone years after the traumatic incident.
