Psychological Impact of Communication on the Hostage and Family - A Hostage Experience in Columbia (From Outthinking the Terrorist - An International Challenge - Proceedings, P 31-37, 1984 - See NCJ-98704)

• NCJ Number: 98707
• Author(s): N Asencio
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-98704.

Annotation

The wife of an American ambassador held hostage for 61 days in the Dominican Embassy in Columbia describes the hostage's and family's psychological reactions during and after the 61 days of the 1980 incident.

Abstract

The hostage incident began when a guerrilla group stormed the embassy where a reception attended by people from over 12 countries was being held. One person was killed and several were wounded during the takeover. Both the hostages and the family members had feelings of helplessness, existential fear, and sensory overload. Unlike most hostages, the captives were able to hold brief, monitored telephone conversations with their embassies and their families. This communication had a positive effect on all those involved. Activity and communication helped reduce stress felt by the hostages and the families. The author decided not to talk to the media and believes that the press needs to do some self-censoring in covering hostage incidents. Her husband supported two aspects of United States hostage policy -- no ransom and no exchange of prisoners -- but disagrees with the policy of no dialog. The author recommends that communications from hostages be taken seriously, that capable hostages be allowed to take part in negotiations, and that dialog be used to resolve hostage situations. Ten reference notes are included.