NCJ Number
48533
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (1978) Pages: 147-168
Date Published
1978
Length
22 pages
Annotation
SUCH FIELDS OF INQUIRY AS STRESS, COPING, CAPTIVITY, AND VICTIMOLOGY ARE EXPLORED AS THEY RELATE TO THE NEW FIELD OF UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING THE HOSTAGE-VICTIM OF TERRORIST ACTIVITIES.
Abstract
THE VICTIM OF A HOSTAGE-TAKING INCIDENT EXPERIENCES STRESS AND ENDURES MANY PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STATES. DEALING WITH SUCH VICTIMS REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE OF VARIOUS DISCIPLINES, INCLUDING MEDICINE, PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY, CRIMINOLOGY, AND LAW. A VICTIM OF THE 1975 MOLUCCAN TRAIN HOSTAGE SITUATION IN THE NETHERLANDS IS USED AS A CASE STUDY. SOME OF THE VICTIMS' REACTIONS INCLUDED WEIGHT LOSS, GASTRONOMIC DYSFUNCTION, NIGHTMARES, COLD SWEATS, REACTIONS TO LOUD NOISES, INABILITY TO CONCENTRATE, AND INCREASING PARANOIA. FROM A MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE, TREATING A VICTIM OF TERRORISM IS NOT SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT FROM TREATING A VICTIM OF TRAUMA OR THREAT. RELEVANT CONCEPTS AND FINDINGS FROM THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES ARE DISCUSSED, INCLUDING PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS, PSYCHOLOGICAL COPING METHODS, THE STOCKHOLM SYNDROME (I.E., WHEN THE HOSTAGE IDENTIFIES WITH THE CAPTOR POSITIVELY AND FEELS DISTRUSTFUL OF AUTHORITIES) AND DELAYED MEDICAL EFFECTS OF TRAUMATIZATION. THE RHYTHM AND TEMPO OF STRESS RESPONSE IN THE HUMAN BODY ARE EXAMINED. FLOW CHARTS CLARIFY THE EXPLANATION. SOURCE MATERIAL IS PROVIDED. (JSP)