You Should Know
The Stockholm Syndrome
The Stockholm syndrome is an emotional attachment to one’ s captor formed as a result of continuous stress dependence and need to cooperate for survival.
This maybe came to fore after a 1973 incident in Stockholm, Sweden during which a bank employee became romantically attached to a robber who was holding her hostage. After seven years of imprisonment, I have noticed this same pattern of behavior manifested especially in long term prisoners.
Inmates locked up at an early age are especially susceptible to de- veloping an attachment to their“ captors”( corrections staff). Prisoners suffering from this psychological disorder will place staff’ s interests above their own, trying to solidify a bond with the jailer.
Eventually, they no longer view their fellow prisoners as peers. Rather, they identify more closely with the prison staff so they keep staff informed of prisoner activity( they become snitches). In fact, they unwittingly work against their own interests as they try to gain favor, which gives them a false sense of superiority over their prisoner’ peers.
Certainly, characteristics of this syndrome are not limited to younger prisoners. The continuously stressful, dependent and meticulously controlled environment of prison has a negative impact on all prisoners’ psyche. The cold deprivation of prison life corrupts the perception of self, others and the world in general.
Knowledge of the Stockholm Syndrome and its manifestations is necessary to survive prison; those who are not“ institutionalized” must conscientiously labor to survive with their emotional and mental health intact.
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The pattern of behavior indicative of the Stockholm Syndrome is a reality among prisoners. The domestic brand of this affliction is but another layer of the emotional challenges which must be overcome in our efforts to readapt to a harsh environment.
Recognition of behavior symptomatic of the disorder is the first step in countering its long term destructive emotional effects. Of course, our efforts to educate and expose the Stockholm Syndrome does not imply any anti staff or anti authority sentiments. Quite the contrary, we advocate respect and obedience to those in authority, for law and order are essential to a civilized society.
Experts agree that total reliance on any external focus of influence for our selfesteem is emotionally unhealthy. This is more so the case where a prisoner develops an attachment to prison staff whose position and goals are often counter to the prisoner’ s best interest. Those afflicted by this disorder are likely to experience difficulty making the transition to society after being released.