Trauma bonding, also known as Stockholm Syndrome, is a psychological phenomenon where an individual forms a strong emotional bond with an abuser or captor during a traumatic or abusive situation. It typically occurs in situations where a person is held captive, abused, or controlled by another person or group.
The term "Stockholm Syndrome" originated from a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1973, where hostages developed positive feelings toward their captors and even defended them after being released.
Trauma bonding is thought to be a survival mechanism that helps the victim cope with the overwhelming fear and danger they are facing. The emotional bond that develops can create conflicting feelings, where the victim may feel both affection and loyalty towards the abuser while also experiencing fear and mistreatment.
Some common characteristics of trauma bonding include:
Emotional Dependence: The victim becomes emotionally dependent on the abuser, seeking their approval and validation.
Isolation: The abuser may isolate the victim from friends, family, or support systems, making the victim more reliant on the abuser for emotional connection.
Intermittent Reinforcement: The abuser alternates between periods of kindness and abuse, creating a sense of unpredictability that keeps the victim emotionally attached.
Rationalization: The victim may rationalize or justify the abuser's behavior, minimizing the harm and believing that the abuser has good intentions.
Defense of the Abuser: The victim may protect or defend the abuser from others or even from legal consequences.
Shared Experiences: Surviving a traumatic event together can create a unique bond between the victim and the abuser.
It's essential to understand that trauma bonding is a complex psychological response to trauma, and it can make it challenging for the victim to break free from the abusive relationship. Professional help, such as therapy and support from friends and family, can be crucial in helping individuals recognize and address trauma bonding to break free from harmful situations.