The Anomaly of Captivity: Comprehending Stockholm Syndrome, Its Origins, and Its Consequences

Abstract

While many psychological conditions are present in various types of entertainment media, very few are as commonly used and glamorized as Stockholm Syndrome. From children’s movies to adult literature, Stockholm Syndrome is an undoubtedly popular choice when a creator wishes to add a darker element to their story without making it too disturbing for audiences. Unfortunately, due to its commonness and potential in more “romantic” situations, Stockholm Syndrome is often misrepresented in ways that can be harmful to anyone wanting to truly learn more about it. In an attempt to make the affliction seem more light-hearted and less debilitating, it is often watered down, and even made to seem charming in some instances. In order to truly understand this curious phenomenon, let’s start at the beginning.