Stockholm syndrome in the family

The concept of "Stockholm syndrome" appeared in 1973 after the release of a group of hostages captured by terrorists in the bank. This term means the emergence of a positive emotional relationship between the victim and the aggressor. This is what happened in Stockholm, when the former prisoner kept several people in the bank building for three days. After the release, the hostages rose to defend the perpetrator. According to them, they feared the police actions more than the actions of the terrorist.

Stockholm syndrome is now considered very useful in situations related to the release of hostages. If a warm emotional relationship is established between the people captured and the criminals, prisoners are less likely to commit rash acts and can avoid the terrorist's anger. At the same time, it will be more difficult for the perpetrator to injure or kill a person to whom he is well treated.

It can be said that policemen all over the world welcome the formation of this syndrome between the kidnapper and the victim.

The Stockholm syndrome can manifest itself 3-4 days after the hostage-taking. Usually it arises if the terrorist does not show unmotivated aggression, but, on the contrary, tries to justify his behavior before the captives. In this case, the hostages can assess their situation as a sacrifice necessary for a good purpose.

According to psychologists, the Stockholm syndrome is not a pathology, but represents a normal psychological defense response in extreme situations. Forming a positive opinion about the terrorist, people feel better in a prolonged captivity.

This concept, synonymous with the term "hostage syndrome", has over time been used to describe situations related to gender-based violence in families. It is a question of that many women whom the husband beats, continue to live with it, and even keep an appearance of normal relations.

It is a question of that many women who are beaten by husbands, continue to live with them, and even retain the appearance of normal relations.

Women do not escape from men who subject them to humiliation and bullying, due to certain mechanisms that determine the behavior of the victim. And, above all, this is the so-called learned helplessness. It occurs when a woman, repeatedly trying to change the situation, comes to the conclusion that this is impossible, and completely resigns to her fate.

In addition, such behavior of the victim may be due to the alternation of the period of aggression and its absence. Voltage increases and reaches a certain point, after which there is a splash of energy in the form of violent actions. Then comes the repentance phase (it is also called the "honeymoon"), when the aggressor begs the victim to forgive him and swears that he will not do it any more. If a woman is emotionally dependent on a man, she agrees to accept his apology, and everything starts anew.

Either way, the aggressor and the victim are dependent on each other. A man who is prone to violence, feels his power over a woman, he has the illusion of his own greatness. A woman is often sure that she can not survive alone. In addition, many of the fairer sex are trapped in a social stereotype that says that if a woman is lonely, her life has not taken place. Another factor that keeps a woman close to a cruel husband may be the characteristics of the relationship in the parent family, where the basic patterns of behavior are laid.

It is precisely such interdependent relations, which have a morbid character, that have been called "household Stockholm syndrome".

By the way, not only women, but also children can become its victims.

The best way out of this difficult situation is to turn the victim into a center for dealing with people who have been subjected to violence.