It can be seen as a form of trauma bonding.
The name derives from an incident in 1973.
The definition has since expanded to include the relationships between abused people and those whoabusethem.
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Stockholm syndrome is a form oftrauma bonding.
It is more likely to occur when there is a perceived threat to a persons physical and psychological survival.
This is a phenomenon known ascognitive dissonance.
Cognitive dissonance happens when a person behaves in a way that goes against their core beliefs.
For example, they know smoking is bad for their health, but do it anyway.
This leads to conflicted thoughts and feelings that can motivate changes in beliefs or behaviors.
There is a link between Stockholm syndrome and violence against women.
These are the typical fight-or-flight responses.
Freeze is another typical response to a threat.
Its a defense mechanism that happens when theparasympathetic nervous systemdominates.
When faced with a dangerous situation, you find yourself temporarily unable to move.
Fawning is a jot down of codependent behavior used to prevent retaliation and harm in abusive situations.
The victim becomes overly helpful to the abuser.
This can de-escalate the situation and stop or prevent abuse from continuing.
In many cases, the abuser has mental health issues.
These includeantisocial,narcissistic, andborderline personality disorders.
The people on the receiving end can become increasingly tolerant of theabusive behavior.
If the situation is an emergency and you are in immediate danger, call 911.
How to Process Stockholm Syndrome Abuse
Stockholm syndrome is a trauma response.
Evidence-based therapeutic treatments are the best first line of treatment.
This defense is similar to fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses.
If you or someone you know is experiencing Stockholm syndrome, help is available.
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