What Is It Called When Someone Falls In Love With Their Kidnapper

The term for when someone falls in love with their kidnapper is 'Stockholm Syndrome'. Coined in 1973, it's a psychological response where the victim develops emotional ties or even affection towards their captor. This strange emotional bonding acts as a survival strategy during captivity, being more common in situations where there's a constant threat of danger.

Interestingly, this term originated from a bank heist in Stockholm, Sweden where hostages had developed emotional attachments with their captors even defending them when they were once freed. Though not officially recognized by the APA as a psychiatric disorder, it's widely used to explain these seemingly inexplicable victim-perpetrator relationships.

In popular culture, this concept often finds its way into various streams. A plethora of anime, comics, games, and novels often depict love stories between kidnappers and their victims, sometimes romanticizing Stockholm Syndrome. Some critics argue this might promote toxic relationships, but it often depends on the presentation and context.

'Beauty and the Beast' is a classic example where Belle, captured by the Beast, eventually falls in love with him. This plot point has been widely debated among fantasy lovers - though some argue it's a tale of overcoming appearances and finding inner beauty, others perceive it as a classic Stockholm Syndrome scenario.

In the gaming world, 'Ace Attorney' features a unique case. In the fourth title, a character named Vera Misham suffers from Stockholm Syndrome towards her controlling father, underpinning a profound narrative.

In literature, 'Stolen: A Letter to My Captor' by Lucy Christopher offers a gripping first-person narrative of a kidnapping victim developing complex feelings for her captor due to the extended time in isolation and fear.

Grabbing a bag of popcorn and diving into works that feature Stockholm Syndrome can be a dark but compelling journey. Just remember, real-life instances of this condition are far from romantic or desirable. It's always crucial to separate fiction from reality.