Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders

Stockholm Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Stockholm syndrome is a rare psychological response where individuals develop positive feelings toward their captors or abusers, often as a survival strategy during trauma . This phenomenon is closely linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can occur in various abusive situations beyond classic hostage scenarios, including intimate partner violence and human trafficking . Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is essential for supporting survivors and promoting recovery .