Stockholm syndrome facts for kids
Stockholm syndrome is a special way some people react when they are held against their will, like in a kidnapping. It means that the person who is being held starts to feel a connection or even positive feelings toward the person holding them. They might even start to feel sorry for their captors or try to protect them.
This unusual reaction got its name from a real event. It happened during a bank robbery in 1973 in the city of Stockholm, Sweden.
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What is Stockholm Syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a psychological idea. It describes how some people who are victims of a crime, especially a kidnapping or hostage situation, can develop a bond with their captors. This bond can make them feel sympathy or even loyalty towards the people who are holding them. It's a way the mind might try to cope with a very stressful and dangerous situation.
Why Does It Happen?
Experts think this can happen for a few reasons:
- Survival Instinct: The victim might feel that cooperating with the captor is the best way to stay safe and survive.
- Small Acts of Kindness: If the captor shows any small kindness, like offering food or water, the victim might see it as a positive gesture. This can make the victim feel grateful.
- Isolation: Being cut off from the outside world and relying only on the captor can create a strong emotional link. The victim might start to see the world through the captor's eyes.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name "Stockholm syndrome" comes from a famous bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Norrmalmstorg Robbery
In August 1973, a man named Jan-Erik Olsson tried to rob the Kreditbanken bank in Norrmalmstorg, Stockholm. He took four bank employees as hostages. Later, another criminal, Clark Olofsson, joined him.
The hostages were held for six days in the bank vault. During this time, a strange thing happened. The hostages started to feel sympathy for the robbers. They even became afraid of the police trying to rescue them, rather than the robbers themselves.
The Aftermath
When the police finally ended the standoff, the hostages showed strong support for the robbers. They hugged and kissed the men who had held them captive. Some even refused to testify against the robbers in court. This surprising behavior led to the term "Stockholm syndrome" to describe such a reaction.
Is It Common?
Stockholm syndrome is quite rare. It doesn't happen to everyone who is a victim of a kidnapping or hostage situation. It's a complex psychological reaction that depends on many things, including the specific situation and the people involved.
