NCJ Number
85901
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The paper describes adaptive behaviors people use to cope with the severe stress of being held hostage, using examples from hostage incidents as well as the experiences of prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates.
Abstract
Factors which may effect the outcome of a hostage incident are its duration, the victim's prior life experiences and personality factors, and the terrorists' goals and tactics. Since killing the hostages is not usually the focus of the terrorists' tactics, psychological factors in the hostages and in the hostage-takers may play a decisive role in determining the choice of victims and how many are eventually murdered. Denial is usually the first defense mechanism used by a victim. This counter-phobic mechanism may lead to an excessive response and is usually not a good immediate adaptive response. Two other responses, reaction formation and identification with the aggressor, usually occur over longer time periods. Unconscious psychological defense mechanisms include intellectualization, creative elaboration, and humor. These mechanisms are generally considered more healthy than the others. Coping strategies, however, are more deliberate methods to reduce stress while meeting the demands of the situation. Initial coping strategies include relinquishing control to the captor and maintaining control over emotional responses. Extended coping strategies include gathering information, establishing positive bonds with the terrorist, establishing group affiliation with other victims, focusing on survival for some purpose, and maintaining the will to live. Victims of terrorism have repeatedly showed all these adaptive behaviors. Seventeen references are listed.