In August 1973, Stockholm, Sweden became the stage for a bizarre bank robbery that would lead to the coining of a psychological phenomenon now known worldwide. Jan-Erik Olsson, a convict on parole, stormed Kreditbanken, one of Stockholm’s largest banks, taking four employees—three women and one man—hostage. Olsson’s demands? The release of his friend and fellow criminal, Clark Olofsson, to assist him in the robbery. The pair then held their captives inside the bank’s vault for six days.But what shocked the world wasn’t just the crime itself—it was the hostages’ reaction. When released, none of them testified against their captors. In fact, they went as far as raising money for their defence. This perplexing behaviour left authorities baffled.Why Would Anyone Defend Their Captors?Enter Nils Bejerot, a criminologist and psychiatrist who was asked to analyse the victims’ unusual loyalty to their captors. Bejerot, borrowing from the idea of brainwashing, called it “Norrmalmstorgssyndromet,” named after the square where the robbery unfolded. Outside Sweden, it became known as Stockholm Syndrome, a term that would forever change the way we understand hostage situations and human psychology.Defined by psychiatrist Frank Ochberg to help manage such cases, Stockholm Syndrome sheds light on a counterintuitive bond that can develop between captors and captives—an unexpected twist in the already strange world of crime.What Is Stockholm Syndrome?Stockholm Syndrome is not a formal mental health diagnosis, but a coping mechanism that victims of abuse may develop in response to trauma. It occurs when a victim forms a strong emotional bond with their abuser, a dynamic often seen in high-profile kidnapping cases. Studies show that around 8% of hostage victims experience Stockholm Syndrome. This condition reflects a type of trauma bonding, where the emotional attachment stems from a complex survival instinct rather than a rational choice.Symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome:Positive Feelings Towards Captors: Victims often develop unexpected emotional bonds with their captors. This connection arises from prolonged exposure, especially when the captor poses a life threat but ultimately spares the victim. The Journal of Psychosocial Wellbeing reports that intimate time spent together fosters this confusing attachment.Defending the Perpetrators: Victims sometimes go as far as defending their captors, driven by fear and emotional attachment. According to the Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, the hostages begin to believe in the humanity of their captors, gradually perceiving them as less threatening.Reluctance to Cooperate with Authorities: Victims may resist cooperating with law enforcement, believing that their captors acted in their best interest. This was seen in the case of Patty Hearst, who, after being taken hostage in 1974, later joined her captors in committing crimes.A Perceived Inability to Escape: Stockholm Syndrome can manifest when victims believe escape is impossible, as noted in BMC International Health and Human Rights, particularly in cases of isolated or abused individuals who feel trapped in their circumstances.What Causes Stockholm Syndrome?Domestic Abuse: In abusive relationships, victims may develop emotional bonds with their abusers, subconsciously viewing this connection as a survival strategy. A study in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry shows that appeasement can help victims cope with trauma.Child Abuse: Victims of childhood abuse may continue to maintain emotional ties to their abusers long after the abuse has ended. The Journal of Child Sexual Abuse highlights how this bond persists, influencing the victim’s feelings and behaviour well into adulthood.Sex Work: Trafficked sex workers often exhibit Stockholm Syndrome due to their reliance on abusers for survival. A study by BMC International Health and Human Rights describes how isolation and psychological abuse create emotional ties between sex workers and traffickers.Abusive Sports Coaching: Surprisingly, Stockholm Syndrome can also be observed in athletes subjected to abusive coaching. Research published in Children Australia reveals how athletes sympathize with and defend their coaches' harmful actions, reinforcing the trauma bond.Diagnosing and Treating Stockholm Syndrome:Stockholm Syndrome is not officially classified as a mental health condition in the American Psychological Association diagnostic manual, but mental health professionals recognize it through the emotional responses of trauma victims. Treatment often involves therapy to address PTSD, stress, depression, and other associated symptoms. Cognitive restructuring is a key approach, helping victims shift negative thoughts into more positive, constructive ones.Therapists guide victims in processing their emotions and developing healthier coping mechanisms. In more severe cases, a combination of therapy and medication may be used to help victims recover and regain a sense of autonomy over their lives.