NCJ Number
85902
Date Published
1982
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The article discusses the effects of captivity on the victim both during and after the experience.
Abstract
The common features of captivity situations are the loss or limitation of freedom, the loss of power over one's fate, some kind of relationship to the captor, and some effort to relate to the family and/or society. Over the short-term, immediate survival is the main issue, while over the long term, many psychological adjustments have to be made. The maintenance of self-esteem, a sense of human dignity, a sense of group belonging, and a feeling of being useful to others all contribute significantly to survival in both physical and psychological terms. Conscious and active mobilization of coping mechanisms is also important. Although little is known about the long-term impact of short-term, unexpected captivity, it has been likened to the psychological responses of persons who have experienced sudden and unexpected loss. These reponses include anxiety, repetitive thoughts, heightened irritability, and clinging behavior. One analysis of victims of a natural disaster showed two different types of reactions. Literature on prisoners of war and inmates of concentration camps has shown certain consistent patterns of chronic psychological changes. Physical changes have also been evident as a result of malnutrition and other stresses. Captives' families may also suffer severe and extensive effects. For example, children of concentration camp survivors were found to have severe depressive reactions. The recent hostage incidents will provide much material for future long-range studies of victims of this type of crime. However, enough is already known to underscore the need to try to prevent these traumas and their adverse results. Thirty-five references are listed.