The effects of trauma among kidnap victims in Sardinia, Italy

Abstract

There is no significant connection between PTSD and the Stockholm syndrome. Both are indices of the severity of the trauma of being kidnapped, but they are associated with different aspects of the traumatic experience. The presence of both syndromes appears to have a detrimental effect on physical health.

Thematic Stages of Recovery in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

“…the child becomes the "bad object" so as to maintain the fantasy of the parents as the "good object" (19). Among adults undergoing trauma, such as kidnap victims, this process of taking on excessive responsibility for the traumatic actions of one's perpetrator has been labeled Stockholm Syndrome (20).…”

An Evaluation of a Support Group for Junior Doctors Working in Palliative Medicine

“…This is like other situations in which intense relationships develop during crises: front-line soldiers, resistance fighters in the Second World War, and even the Stockholm syndrome, 21 in which hostages paradoxically form close ties with their captors.…”

“…Although this is a small study, the fact that all respondents found the group helpful and felt it would be beneficial to replicate this across a wide range of specialties suggests that this model could be usefully employed in hospitals. Senior palliative care physicians, too, may be affected by stress, 21,22 and Farnham (personal communication, 2004) has shown that his consultant support group has been successful.…”

Understanding Ransom Kidnappings and Their Duration

“…Descriptive statistics and anecdotes of the kidnapping process are discussed. Favaro et al (2000) conduct interviews with 24 Sardinian kidnap victims to assess mental health effects. They identify enhanced rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and Stockholm syndrome.…”