I’ve heard about this Stockholm Syndrome thing and wondered how it works for a romance story I’m writing based on experiences I’ve had. So the story would go a woman who saw a man as her best friend but then the man told her he loved her and she rejected her and stopped being his friend. What if that man kidnapped her and held her hostage for months, with just the two of them together? Say he took her to a deserted island or something, and kept her bound and gagged, but then gradually over the months began to let her hands go free and let her speak, and also was kind to her. Do you think that she would actually fall in love with him as time went on?
Chosen Answer:
Yes, it is a survival respons, I think to understand the character you have created in him, you have to research psychopaths (which is what he would be).
People who have not had relationships with psychopaths dont understand the intensity of their will power which they extert over you in some odd way. They sort of bend your thinking into their their way, so in their presence it is very hard indeed to think your own thoughts for yourself let alone have a thought that is in opposition to theirs. Coupled with the fact that they exercise control at all levels, it is easier to go along with what they want and ask for, than to summon up the intense energy and mental effort needed to oppose them. So, far from being repulsed by the captor, the person would be more likely to submit to his wishes, and fall in love, thus ensuring the maximum chance of her survival (unconsciously done). Only when physically apart from him and away from the relentless bending of his will upon hers, would she start to think freely for herself and maybe try to escape or overcome him.
This is why so often in the news you hear of the accomplices of criminals (partners) getting prison sentences because they were deemed to be partners in crime. The criminal justice system does not understand yet the level of mind control psychopaths exert over their victims.
by: Leanne
on: 18th May 13