stockholm syndrome origin story

The term 'Stockholm syndrome' originated from a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden in 1973. Four hostages were held for six days. Strangely, the hostages formed an emotional bond with their captors. They defended their captors after being released. This unusual psychological phenomenon was then named after the place where it occurred.

Stockholm Syndrome occurs when a victim of a kidnapping or hostage situation develops positive feelings towards their captor. It's a complex psychological phenomenon that's not fully understood.

In romance novels, Stockholm syndrome can add an edgy element. Sometimes it's misused, where it seems like the author is justifying an unhealthy relationship. However, when done right, it can show the psychological journey of a character. For instance, if a character is kidnapped and then starts to see the kidnapper in a different light due to the kidnapper showing some kindness. It makes readers question what love really is and how it can develop in strange circumstances.

A good Stockholm Syndrome story in fiction often has a well - developed captor - captive relationship. The captor should have some sort of complex personality, not just be a one - dimensional villain. For example, in 'Beauty and the Beast', the Beast is initially harsh but has his own backstory and reasons for his actions. Also, the captive's transformation of feelings needs to be gradual. It can't just happen overnight. There should be moments of resistance, confusion, and then slowly the development of a bond. The setting also plays a role. A confined or isolated setting, like the castle in 'Beauty and the Beast' or the room in 'Room', helps intensify the relationship between the two characters.

Typically, there may be a power imbalance. One character may hold power over the other, either through physical means or more often through emotional manipulation. For example, in some stories, a wealthy and influential gay man might control a younger, more vulnerable one.

In fiction novels, one characteristic is the victim's unexpected empathy towards the captor. For example, in 'Lolita', Humbert Humbert is clearly a predator, but Lolita sometimes shows a strange sort of acceptance of him. Another is the gradual change in the victim's perception of the situation. Like in 'Beauty and the Beast', Belle starts to see the Beast in a different light over time.

In stockholm syndrome romance novels, there is often an unequal power dynamic at the start. One character, usually the male, has some form of control or dominance over the other. For example, in a lot of historical romance novels set in a feudal context, the lord might hold power over a peasant girl. Then, there is the development of unexpected emotions. The character who is in the submissive position gradually starts to feel attraction or love towards the dominant one, often due to spending time together and the dominant one showing some form of kindness or protection.

In some romance novels, Stockholm syndrome might be shown as a complex emotional state. For example, the kidnapped or oppressed character may start to have feelings for the captor. It could be depicted through their internal monologues where they struggle with their initial fear and then gradually find themselves attracted. However, this is a very controversial portrayal as it blurs the lines between coercion and real love.

They often involve a power imbalance. One character may hold more power over the other, which is a key aspect. For example, in a situation where one character is in a more dominant social or economic position.

In fiction books, a common characteristic is the captor - captive relationship. For example, like in 'Beauty and the Beast', the Beast initially holds Belle captive. Then, the captive starts to feel sympathy or even love for the captor. This often involves the captor showing some form of 'kindness' within the context of the captivity, which blurs the lines between fear and affection.