What syndrome is associated with hostages who bond with their captors?

Stockholm syndrome refers to a psychological phenomenon where hostages or victims of kidnapping form an emotional bond with their captors, often developing feelings of sympathy or loyalty towards them. The term originated from a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1973, during which hostages began to develop positive feelings for their captors, even defending them after being released.

This bond can often be perplexing, as it contrasts with the victim's initial feelings of fear and hostility towards the captor. Various factors may contribute to the development of this syndrome, including stress, dependency, and a shared experience during captivity. Victims may perceive some level of kindness from their captors, leading to a distorted sense of attachment.

In contrast, the other options—Acapulco syndrome, Lima syndrome, and Miami syndrome—either do not exist as recognized psychological phenomena related to hostage situations or refer to different dynamics altogether. Lima syndrome, for instance, involves captors developing empathy for their hostages, sometimes even releasing them, which reflects an inverse relationship compared to Stockholm syndrome. Hence, the correct identification of Stockholm syndrome is crucial in discussions about the psychological effects of captivity and the complex human relationships that can develop in such extreme situations.