Which psychological phenomenon might develop from being taken hostage?

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that can occur when hostages develop a bond with their captors. This complex situation often leads the hostage to exhibit feelings of loyalty, affection, or empathy towards the person who has taken them captive, which might seem counterintuitive given the circumstances. This phenomenon has been observed in various hostage situations and can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as the stress of the kidnapping, the captor's behavior towards the hostage, and the hostage's feeling of dependence on their captor for survival.

In instances of hostage situations, the intense emotional and psychological experiences can lead to altered perceptions of reality, where the hostage may internalize the perspective of the captor. This bond can sometimes manifest as a way to cope with the trauma and fear of the situation, creating a complex dynamic between the victim and the perpetrator.

While separation anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are all valid psychological conditions, they are not specifically tied to the unique relational dynamics that characterize Stockholm syndrome within the context of being taken hostage.