THEto Stockholm syndrome It’s not just a news curiosity. It is a psychological phenomenon that can concern daily life, from sentimental relationships to the world of work. According to experts of Medical News TODAY, It is a adaptation reaction: in some situations of abusethe victim develops empathy towards those who exercise violence, in an unconscious attempt to protect themselves.
Stockholm syndrome is a complex phenomenon, not classified as an official psychiatric disorderbut well documented in research. Can emerge in seizuresin Amorous relationships marked by narcissism And even at work. Recognizing symptoms and relying on a therapeutic path is essential to break the link and find emotional freedom.
Stockholm Syndrome: What is and why it’s called this
The term was born in Stockholm in 1973, when during one Bank robbery some hostages came to defend their kidnappers. Since then it has been used to describe the emotional bond that can be established between the victim and executioner.
According to a scientific revision published on Acta Psychiatric Scandinavica (Researchgate), Stockholm syndrome is not recognized in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5The Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disordersbut remains a psychological phenomenon observed in several documented cases.
Stockholm syndrome in love and relationships
There Stockholm syndrome in love It manifests themselves when those who suffer violence remains linked to the partner, justifying the behaviors and hoping for a change.
As the psychologists of Simply Psychologythis dynamic is often intertwined with narcissism: the manipulator alternates moments of abuse to gestures of apparent affectionreinforcing emotional dependence. It is a mechanism similar to Trauma Bonding, in which violence and reconciliation alternatecreating a bond that becomes more and more difficult to break.
The symptoms of Stockholm syndrome
Identifying symptoms is not simple, because they can be confused with common emotions. According to an analysis of Medical News TODAY, These symptoms can emerge not only in the kidnappings, but also in intimate and family relationships marked by power imbalances. Among the most frequent signals:
- justify or minimize the violence suffered
- try gratitude or affection towards those who exercise power
- not to be able to leave the relationship despite the suffering
- adopt the attacker’s point of view
- develop psychological and emotional dependence
How to cure and heal from Stockholm Syndrome
There is no unique therapy, but psychologists agree on some useful paths. The first step is recognize the toxic nature of the relationship. It is also essential to rely on a professional, who can guide the person to reconstruct self -esteem and emotional independence.
Second Simply Psychologythe individual psychotherapy, combined with one social support network, It is often the key to getting out of the syndrome. In some cases the group therapy It can offer further support, allowing you to share similar experiences.
Stockholm and work syndrome
A less discussed aspect is surprisingly concerning the professional area. Some employees can in fact develop forms of loyalty to authoritarian heads or manipulators, coming to justify the abuses. Is what is defined Stockholm syndrome at work.
A study published on Archite Für Kriminologie He showed that the psychological dynamics observed in the hostages can also manifest themselves in organizational and professional contexts (Pubmed).