Stockholm syndrome is a unique physiological phenomena that only about 8% of humans have. Sympathy and empathy are common feelings that victims tend to experience when they are held hostage. Even after being released some victims tend to continue showing these emotions. It is important to understand that Stockholm syndrome is not necessarily a disorder, but rather a coping mechanism that victims unconsciously use as an act of self-preservation. Evolutionary psychologists explain that the Stockholm syndrome can be linked back to our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Psychologists stated that women in tribal societies often faced the problem of being abducted by another tribe. These women had their lives put in danger and their children had been slaughtered…show more content… The most common is caused by hostage’s belief that their life is in danger. Their captors may threaten to harm or even kill the hostage, their friends, or family member if they do not cooperate with the captors. Also witnessing their captors act violently against other victims or even objects produces similar outcomes. Another switch is a illusionary kindness perceived from the victims. It is human instinct to grasp for hope in desperate situations, causing people to misinterpret and cling to mundane things . This is why when the captors offer some sort of small kindness, the victim’s perception of them almost immediately changes. For example in most cases, allowing them to use the restroom or giving the victims food and water contributes to strengthening Stockholm syndromes grasp. This facade of their captor may also cause the victim to start expressing sympathy towards them, due to their “kindness”. The captor may share their past with their hostage telling them about abuse, mistreatment, or neglect they’ve suffered. This often results in the victim defending their captors after their release. A more complicated cause is the victim’s isolation of other viewpoints besides their captor’s. This generally starts from the victim consciously avoiding specific behaviors that will yield punishment from their captors. In doing so, victims are subconsciously attempting to keep the captors happy and ensuring their survival as well as strengthening the bond between them . After doing this contentiously over a few days, victims begin opposing others trying to rescue them. Just like how the victims of Stockholm Sweden acted when police offered a chance of rescue. Victims may even turn against their family for fear that any contact with them would result in punishment to themselves or violence to their family members. In some of the more serious cases, victims may even have a hard time leaving their
