Unraveling Stockholm Syndrome: Origins, Definitions, and Controversies

This chapter explores the concept of Stockholm Syndrome, tracing its origins back to a bank robbery in Sweden and the subsequent introduction of the term by a psychiatrist involved in the case. It delves into the psychological processes that may contribute to the syndrome, such as the contact hypothesis and the perception of captors' acts of kindness. The chapter also discusses the lack of agreement and research on Stockholm Syndrome as a formal diagnosis.