Stockholm Syndrome

A psychological phenomenon observed in hostages, who display alliance, sympathy, or even affection towards their captors, despite the predicament they're in.
Stockholm Syndrome is a complex psychological response, often seen held by hostages toward their captors. It is believed to be caused by the survival instinct where the victim inadvertently tries to ensure their safety by emotionally bonding with their captor. An instance is the infamous 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, where bank employees held hostage for six days developed an emotional attachment to their captors, even defending them after being freed.
We are not hostages of our History. It's our syndrome towards our history that determines our behavior, actions, and our perceptions. - Wayne Gerard Trotman

Search other Mental Models

Are you looking for something else? Request a Mental Model HERE