NCJ Number
60020
Date Published
1977
Length
17 pages
Annotation
DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF VARIOUS FORMS OF CAPTIVITY ARE DISCUSSED ACCORDING TO A SYSTEM BASED ON THE REACTIONS OF PERSONALITIES TO PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS.
Abstract
CAPTIVITY IS THE DEPRIVATION OF FREEDOM TO MOVE, YET THIS SIMPLISTIC CONCEPT INCLUDES PRACTICALITIES RANGING FROM A KIDNAPPING AT KNIFEPOINT TO DAILY WORK RELEASE FOR OFFENDERS. THE EXTREME RESTRAINTS APPLIED AGAINST HOSTAGES CAN PRODUCE ANXIETY THAT MAY DEVELOP INTO PANIC WITH BLOCKED POSSIBILITIES FOR RESPONSE. IN ADDITION, HOSTAGES MAY PERCEIVE THAT THEY ARE IN DANGER OF BEING KILLED. A HIGH DEGREE OF STRESS CAN PRODUCE IMMEDIATE VIOLENT RESPONSE OR MAY CAUSE SHOCK AND DENIAL OF THE THREAT. IF SUCH A REACTION FAILS TO HELP THE VICTIM ADAPT TO THE THREAT, DEEPER TRAUMA-RELATED ANXIETIES MAY PERSIST CAUSING HEIGHTENED IRRITABILITY AND ANXIETY FOR SEVERAL YEARS AFTER THE TRAUMA. HOSTAGE VICTIMS RESEMBLE DISASTER VICTIMS IN THEIR LOSS OF TRUST IN THEMSELVES AND IN SOCIETY'S ABILITY TO PROTECT THEM, AND IN THE LOSS OF STABILITY IN THEIR OWN MILIEU. ALTHOUGH DETAILED INFORMATION ON VICTIMS OF TERRORISM IS UNAVAILABLE, STUDIES OF THE SURVIVORS OF CONCENTRATION CAMPS INDICATE THAT EVEN THE CHILDREN OF SUCH VICTIMS SUFFER UNCONSCIOUS GUILT ANXIETIES AND UNEXPRESSED RAGE REFLECTING INTENSE PARENTAL RESTRAINTS. FACTORS AFFECTING THE CAPTIVE'S REACTION INCLUDE THE RELATIONS OF THE VICTIM TO FAMILY MEMBERS OR TO THE ORGANIZATION BEING THREATENED. MOST VICTIMS WILL FORM PATTERNS OF COPING BEHAVIOR TO AVOID HEIGHTENED NERVOUSNESS AND ENHANCED DANGER IN CONFRONTATIONS WITH ARMED ASSAILANTS. SUCH BEHAVIOR MAY INCLUDE IDENTIFICATION WITH THE ASSAILANTS. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED.