Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages or abuse victims develop a psychological bond with their captors or abusers. Victims may sympathize with their captors, identify with their views and ideas, and even help their captors. These feelings are generally considered irrational and an abuse of empathy.

Stockholm syndrome can be viewed as a form of traumatic bonding, and it does not necessarily occur only in hostage situations. As long as an abuser harasses the victim, a strong emotional attachment may develop. According to Freudian theory, Stockholm syndrome is a defense mechanism — when victims believe in the captor’s perspective, they feel they are no longer under threat. Stockholm syndrome is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It is more often used as a conceptual state to avoid discussing uncomfortable issues.

Etymology

On August 23, 1973, two convicted criminals — Jan-Erik Olsson and Clark Olofsson — robbed the largest credit bank in Stockholm, Sweden at Norrmalmstorg Square and took four bank employees hostage. After a 130-hour standoff with police, the perpetrators ultimately surrendered. However, months after the incident, all four hostages showed compassion toward their captors, expressed that they did not hate them, and even felt grateful that the captors had not harmed them and had instead shown them care. They adopted a hostile attitude toward the police and were unwilling to testify against the perpetrators in court. During the hostage situation, the hostages even became friends with the captors.

The two robbers held the hostages for five days, during which they threatened the captives’ lives but also occasionally showed kindness. Through an unexpected psychological transformation, the four hostages resisted the government’s eventual rescue efforts. Stockholm syndrome was named after this hostage crisis in Stockholm.

Researchers have found examples of this syndrome in various different experiences — from concentration camp prisoners and prisoners of war to victims of incest — all of which may involve Stockholm syndrome. Both men and women can exhibit these symptoms, though the proportion tends to be higher among women.