The Psychology Behind Stockholm Syndrome: Insights From A Landmark Robbery

Stockholm syndrome, a complicated psychological phenomenon, can be traced back to a bank robbery half a century ago. This essay investigates the genesis and evolution of this fascinating ailment.

It's a frequently-used phrase that describes the link that victims of a kidnapping or a hostage situation might have with their captors. It was named after a failed bank heist in Sweden's capital 50 years ago this week.

Stockholm syndrome¡ªinitially named "Norrmalmstorg syndrome" after the square where the bank theft occurred¡ªhas since been used for hostage-takings around the world, notably the 1970s kidnapping of newspaper heiress Patty Hearst.

Here's an explanation of Stockholm syndrome and how it came to be.

Stockholm Syndrome: What Is It?

In hostage-taking and cases of kidnapping, it refers to the link that can form between hostages and their captors. In extreme cases, hostages may develop feelings for their kidnappers and their cause, even turning against the authorities.

Experts characterise it as a psychological coping method adopted by certain hostages to tolerate being kept captive and abused rather than a psychiatric diagnosis.

Credit: dtnext

Why Is It Called Stockholm Syndrome?

The word was coined by Swedish criminologist and psychiatrist Nils Bejerot, who assisted police during a standoff during a bank heist in Stockholm in August 1973. During the siege, several hostages supported the hostage-takers over the police, a phenomenon Bejerot dubbed "Norrmalmstorg syndrome." It became known as Stockholm syndrome on a global scale.

Susanne Bejerot, Bejerot's daughter, says her father, who died in 1988, never imagined the name would achieve such global traction. "He had no idea it would become such a big deal," she said Wednesday.

Credit: AFP

What Happened At That Bank Robbery?

On August 23, 1973, while on leave from prison, convicted thief Jan-Erik Olsson, 32, attempted to rob a bank in downtown Stockholm. A standoff ensued after police responded immediately.

Armed with a submachine gun, Olsson kidnapped four bank employees and demanded 3,000,000 Swedish crowns, a bulletproof jacket, and a getaway automobile. He also sought the release of his former jailmate, Clark Olofsson, and his transport to the bank. The authorities concurred.

The drama unfolded on Swedish television as police attempted to persuade Olsson and Olofsson to surrender. Prime Minister Olof Palme was also involved in the talks.

At one point, a captive, Kristin Enmark, told Palme over the phone that she was terrified of the police, not the two criminals. She pleaded with authorities to meet their demands. Enmark later stated that she had formed a bond with Olofsson, whom she considered as her safety guarantee.

Two police officers were shot during the siege, which concluded on August 28 when police stormed the bank, arrested Olsson and Olofsson, and rescued the hostages.

Credit: AFP

Other Examples Of Stockholm Syndrome

Patty Hearst, the 19-year-old granddaughter of a wealthy newspaper mogul, was kidnapped in the United States by the Symbionese Liberation Army, an unknown armed revolutionary group, the next year, 1974.

After Hearst pledged her devotion to the SLA, repudiated her family, and posed for a portrait brandishing a weapon in front of the SLA flag two months later, doubts about her ties to her captors ¡ª and the concept of Stockholm syndrome ¡ª surfaced. In 1975, she was caught and sentenced to seven years in jail.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter commuted her sentence. President Bill Clinton later granted her clemency.

Stockholm syndrome has also been used to describe victims of domestic violence or childhood sexual abuse who form relationships with their abusers.

Stockholm syndrome, which sprang from a terrifying bank robbery in Stockholm 50 years ago, continues to fascinate and perplex researchers and the general public alike.

It sheds light on just how complex human psychology is and how our mind copes with inconceivable events.

What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.

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