The Stockholm syndrome remains a point of discussion and contention with many theories and psychological approaches abounding. The condition is often referred to as a psychological bond that develops between hostages/captives and their captors. Theoretically, the syndrome supposedly develops from a specific set of circumstances brought about in a determined environment and set of circumstances. Researchers have found it difficult to conduct studies of individuals and their situations that gave rise to their susceptibility and exposure to the syndrome.
Because of this, the individual’s mind-set at the time of the incidents have rarely been properly studied and many facts regarding the syndrome remain unknown. The usually complete power imbalances during hostage-taking, kidnapping, abusive relationships and illegal arrests are possibly the only trend that has been determined that is available to be analysed in this so-called ‘contested illness.’ A ‘contested illness’ is an illness that is questioned or disputed by members of the medical field due to doubts about the legitimacy of the condition.
From my personal experience of 18 months in detention and nine months on death row in South Sudan, emotional bonds can definitely form between the captors and their captives. Although there was always consistent cruelty, deprivation, danger, and risk both mentally and physically present, there were times when my captors almost appeared and became human. The Stockholm syndrome has never been included in the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This measurement is regarded as being the standard to measure the diagnosis of psychiatric illnesses and disorders in America. This deficiency in evaluating the syndrome is mainly due to the lack of academic research.
Although the syndrome is deemed to be rare, humanitarian and security operations in conflict zones around the world may and can lead to exposure to this phenomenon. Available data states that less than ten percent of hostage victims show any evidence of the Stockholm syndrome after their release.
However, what happens to those who fall into this minority group? Is it possible for a hostage, captive or victim to reverse the syndrome and use it as a weapon and means of survival on their tormentors or captors? I believe that it is possible to use the Stockholm syndrome subtlety to achieve and maintain an advantage over the captors and/or tormentors to grasp and to keep the advantage. Watch this space!