Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key characteristic of Stockholm syndrome involving the victim's feelings towards the perpetrator?
What is a key characteristic of Stockholm syndrome involving the victim's feelings towards the perpetrator?
- Increased desire for independence from the perpetrator
- Total denial of the perpetrator's actions
- Intense hatred towards the perpetrator
- Reduced negative emotions toward the perpetrator (correct)
Which characteristic describes the victim's tendency to justify the actions of their captor?
Which characteristic describes the victim's tendency to justify the actions of their captor?
- Elevation of their own fears over the perpetrator's motives
- Exaggerated blaming of others
- Rationalization of the perpetrator's behavior (correct)
- Complete rejection of any emotional attachment
In Stockholm syndrome, what feeling may develop in victims that reflects loyalty to their perpetrator?
In Stockholm syndrome, what feeling may develop in victims that reflects loyalty to their perpetrator?
- Feelings of loyalty toward the perpetrator (correct)
- Understanding of the perpetrator’s past
- Distrust towards the perpetrator
- Desire for revenge against the perpetrator
How might victims emotionally depend on their captors in Stockholm syndrome?
How might victims emotionally depend on their captors in Stockholm syndrome?
What is an example of cognitive distortion that might occur in someone with Stockholm syndrome?
What is an example of cognitive distortion that might occur in someone with Stockholm syndrome?
What might the need for security lead a victim to do in a Stockholm syndrome situation?
What might the need for security lead a victim to do in a Stockholm syndrome situation?
Which factor might influence the symptom variability experienced by victims of Stockholm syndrome?
Which factor might influence the symptom variability experienced by victims of Stockholm syndrome?
What distinguishes Stockholm syndrome from merely being socialized in a specific environment?
What distinguishes Stockholm syndrome from merely being socialized in a specific environment?
Flashcards
What is Stockholm Syndrome?
What is Stockholm Syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where victims of kidnapping, hostage situations, or abuse develop a positive emotional bond with their captors.
Reduced Negative Emotions
Reduced Negative Emotions
A victim may unexpectedly feel less anger, fear, or hatred towards the person who has harmed or confined them.
Justification of the Perpetrator's Actions
Justification of the Perpetrator's Actions
Victims might try to explain or justify the behavior of the person who is harming or confining them.
Feelings of Loyalty
Feelings of Loyalty
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Emotional Dependence
Emotional Dependence
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Defending the Perpetrator
Defending the Perpetrator
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Need for Security
Need for Security
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Social Adaptation
Social Adaptation
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Study Notes
Stockholm Syndrome: Symptoms
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Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where victims of kidnapping, hostage situations, or abuse develop a positive emotional connection with their captors. This connection can manifest in feelings of empathy, trust, and even admiration.
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Key characteristics often include:
- Reduced negative emotions toward the perpetrator: A surprising lessening of anger, fear, or hatred towards the person causing harm or confinement.
- Justification of the perpetrator's actions: The victim might attempt to rationalize or excuse the perpetrator's behavior.
- Feelings of loyalty toward the perpetrator: This might extend to positive feelings toward the perpetrator or even a sense of allegiance.
- Emotional dependence on the perpetrator: The victim may become overly reliant on the perpetrator, seeking approval, support, or attention from them. These connections can persist even after the crisis ends.
- Defense of the perpetrator: Feelings might extend to actively defending the perpetrator to others, or seeking to minimize the harm caused by the perpetrator's actions.
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Possible explanations (note these are complex and not fully understood):
- Need for security: The victim might feel a sense of security by bonding with the captor, even while in a dangerous situation.
- Social adaptation: The victim may adapt to the limited environment of the captivity by creating a social connection with someone in control of those circumstances.
- Cognitive distortions: Victims can experience cognitive distortions that lead them to downplay or ignore the harmful acts by their abductors.
- Survival mechanism: In extreme circumstances some researchers suggest it may be a coping mechanism to survive.
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Symptom variability: The degree and type of symptoms can change. The experience is not always uniform. Different victims will display varying reactions, and severity can depend on factors like captivity duration, abuse severity, and personal characteristics.
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Important distinction: Stockholm syndrome is different from simply being socialized or exposed to an environment with expected responses. A key element is the psychological connection developed with a person or entity causing harm or confinement.
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Description
This quiz explores the symptoms of Stockholm syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where victims develop emotional bonds with their captors. Key characteristics include reduced negative emotions, justification of actions, loyalty, and emotional dependence on the perpetrator. Test your understanding of these complex behaviors.
