What is it? A psychological response seen in abducted hostages, in which the victim shows signs of attachment to their abductor, no matter how dangerous their situation was. This can happen within just 3 days of being captured.

Historical Background Stockholm Syndrome originated in Normalmstorg in Stockholm, Sweden during a robbery at Kreditbanken. The bank robbers held bank employees hostage from August 23 to August 28, 1973. The victims became emotionally attached to their captors, and even defended them after they were let go. The term “Stockholm Syndrome” was created by the criminologist and psychiatrist Nils Beierot who assisted law enforcement during the robbery.

cases Natascha Kampusch was abducted at the age of 10. She was held captive for 8 years as a “sex slave” in an Austrian suburb. She was kept in a small cell under her abductor’s garage and was allowed to only interact with him. Soon after she was released, she was informed that her abductor had committed suicide. Instead of being glad that he could not hurt her anymore, she mourned for him for several months and defended him to the media. She stated, “My youth was very different. But I was also spared a lot of things - I did not start smoking or drinking and I did not hang out in bad company."

? why 1.) Abraham Maslow believed people have a strong need to belong. He said one must belong before they can even begin to respect themselves. 2.) The victims begin to identify themselves with their captors as a defensive mechanism, out of fear of violence. Small acts of kindness by their abductor are illuminated into something much bigger. Rescue attempts are seen as a threat, because the abductor would most likely be injured during the rescue.

effects Victims of Stockholm Syndrome sometimes never recover. Several years of therapy are usually required to break the psychological bond. After, they tend to look to others to control his/her mind and life. The victim may not want to relearn how to take responsibility for his/her actions and decisions.  Most abductors teach their victims to hate their families and friends. Once they are brought home, they need to reestablish a connection with them. Also, If the victim was beaten or raped, these actions stick in their mind and they may do this to others in the future.

Experts say, just listen to the song…. what to do? Experts say, just listen to the song…. You see it all around you Good lovin' gone bad And usually it's too late when you, realize what you had And my mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago, Who told me, Just Hold On Loosely, but don't let go If you cling to tightly, you're gonna lose control Your baby needs someone to believe in And a whole lot of space to breathe in It's so damn easy, when your feelings are such To overprotect her, to love her too much

questions Do you think Stockholm Syndrome is a true disorder? Have you ever had a boyfriend/girlfriend that was completely horrible to you and stayed with him/her? Have you ever said the words, “I can’t live without you.”? questions Do you know anyone who has been abducted or abused and experienced Stockholm Syndrome? Do you think Stockholm Syndrome is a true disorder?

References (2003). What is stockholm syndrome?. Retrieved May 11, 2009, from Yahoo Web site: http://ask.yahoo.com/20030324.html (2008). Stockholm Syndrome. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome Dombeck, M (2006, September 3). Stockholm syndrome and regular old abuse. Retrieved May 4, 2009, from MentalHelp.net Web site: http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=weblog&wlid=6&id= 103&cn=2 Layton, J (2009). What causes stockholm syndrome?. Retrieved May 20, 2009, from How Stuff Works Web site: http://health.howstuffworks.com/stockholm-syndrome.htm Sullivan, K (2004). Stockholm syndrome and its effects on trauma survivors. Retrieved May 14, 2009, from NORTH AMERICAN FREEDOM FOUNDATION Web site: http://naffoundation.org/Stockholm_Syndrome.htm Thompson, C (2009). How to identify stockholm syndrome. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from ehow Web site: http://www.ehow.com/how_2304206_identify-stockholm-syndrome-.html

References Cont. Tyrrell, M (2009). Stockholm syndrome: Loving the chains that bind. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from uncommon knowledge Web site: http://www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk/psychology_articles/stockholm- syndrome.html