True Crime Sunday: Stockholm Syndrome

Since it’s December, a time to be merry and bright, I thought I’d take a break from murderers and serial killers. You’re welcome. But fear not—I have some good stuff planned for future posts.

As I was doing research for something I’m planning to cover later, I came upon some information regarding the origin of the term “Stockholm Syndrome.” As a person with an interest in true crime and who graduated college with a psychology minor, the article was fascinating!

In August 1973, Jan-Erik Olsson, a prison inmate who failed to return from a furlough before the robbery, armed himself and walked into a bank in Stockholm, Sweden. He fired at the ceiling, and according to history.com, said in an American accent, “The party has just begun!” Olsson took four people hostage and demanded money, a car, and the release of a fellow inmate.

Swedish police worked quickly to get the car and money, but things came to a standstill when police declined to grant Olsson’s request to use the hostages for cover for his escape. He was later joined by his fellow inmate and ultimately spent six days in the vault with the bank employees. During that time, he showed a great deal of compassion toward the hostages.

When the standoff concluded, the hostages commented on the kindness they were shown even though they’d gone through an incredibly traumatic ordeal. They spoke well of Olsson and even spoke to the police on his behalf.

Stockholm Syndrome was also used as a criminal defense for Patty Hearst who was kidnapped by, and later assisted in bank robberies, the Symbionese Liberation Army.

While there is some debate regarding the syndrome’s validity, the concept itself is pretty interesting. Why does this happen? There are a few theories, including the idea that the trauma of the event reduces the human psyche to its most basic level and any kindness is magnified and creates a bond between the captor and hostage.

Though it makes sense as a defense, as in the Hearst case, it’s controversial—which also makes sense. I listened to a true crime audio book in which her trial was discussed and there was a lot of debate about whether she really experienced Stockholm Syndrome and if it is even real.

There have been many other examples of Stockholm Syndrome over the years, and in each one, there’s something intriguing to analyze for those with interests in true crime and psychology.

Looking for more?

Six Days in August: The Story of Stockholm Syndrome by David King

American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst by Jeffrey Toobin