Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when hostages or captives begin to develop feelings of trust, affection, or even love towards their captors. It was first identified in 1973 after a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden.

During a six-day standoff, hostages began to develop unexpected emotional connections to their captors, laughing at their jokes, conversing with them, and even defending them from the police. Even after they were released, the hostages refused to testify against their captors, instead they raised money for their legal defense and stayed in touch for years afterward.

Psychologists attempted to explain Stockholm syndrome in different ways. Some suggest it's a result of survival instincts kicking in, allowing hostages to bond with their captors for self-preservation. Others pointed out a cultural appeal of a "romantic outlaw" to certain individuals who feel alienated from society.


Stockholm syndrome remains a fascinating example of the complex and sometimes counter-intuitive nature of human psychology.

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