Many times, human beings can exhibit behaviors that are difficult to understand.
Without a doubt, one of the strange phenomena is part of what is known as Lima syndrome, a condition that affects some kidnappers who develop sympathy and positive feelings towards their victims.
Lima syndrome is one of those incomprehensible phenomena that could easily be part of a cinematographic story. This syndrome is a psychological state that affects a kidnapper, who may have positive and even romantic feelings towards the person whose freedom is deprived. It can manifest itself in different ways, for example, avoiding harm, giving him certain freedoms during his captivity, and even caring about his health and well-being.
However, first of all, it is necessary to highlight that a syndrome is not necessarily a disorder, but is characterized by the presence of a series of symptoms encompassed under a label. Lima syndrome It is not even remotely a psychopathology. but it can attract attention when it manifests itself.
In reality, there is little data in this regard, and hardly any research has been carried out on this phenomenon, largely due to the complexity of measuring and analyzing it. Logically, it is almost impossible to have a large sample of kidnappers experiencing this syndrome in order to evaluate them. Lima syndrome occurs rarely and if it occurs it is because a series of conditions exist that encourage its development.
Surely you have already asked yourself: “What reasons can cause a kidnapper to suffer from Lima syndrome?” To understand this phenomenon it is necessary to understand the life of the kidnapper and what is going through his mind at the time of the kidnapping. It is possible that the cases in which this condition has manifested, the kidnapper did not intend to hurt the captive.
The kidnapper, for example, may have committed an act of kidnapping because he is experiencing financial difficulties. Another option is that he develops Lima syndrome because he is not happy with the kidnapping. That is to say, he is part of a group of kidnappers who have influenced his decision due to the phenomenon of group pressure, although he is not entirely comfortable nor does he want to treat the hostage badly. It could also happen that the kidnapper feels physically attracted to the victim.
How does Lima syndrome manifest?
Whatever the reason, the truth is that the kidnapper treats the victim positively and makes sure that their stay in captivity is as unpleasant as possible. Many times act as if you are not limiting the other person’s freedom which makes the situation seem like part of a delirium.
Some of the behaviors that kidnappers carry out to make the victim’s stay more pleasant are, for example, bringing very well prepared and nutritious food to the kidnapped person’s room, treating their wounds and, in general, being very attentive. to their needs and even carry out behaviors that would have nothing to do with a kidnapping. The kidnapper develops attachment to the victim and worries about their well-being.
The term Lima syndrome was coined due to a couple of events that occurred in the Peruvian city of Lima. The first of them took place when, in this city, the Japanese embassy was occupied in 1996 by members of a terrorist group called the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA). Hundreds of people were detained in the building. Within a few days, the hostages were released one by one out of sympathy, even those considered very valuable.
There is another version of the origin of this syndrome. It turns out that A Lima psychiatrist was kidnapped by an individual. The astute psychiatrist, familiar with Stockholm syndrome, applied his knowledge of psychology to make the kidnapper feel sorry for him and treat him well.
What is Stockholm syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a phenomenon similar to Lima syndrome, but occurs in reverse. That is to say, it is not the kidnapper who feels sympathy and attachment towards the kidnapped person, but it is the latter who feels it towards his captor. According to the psychiatrist’s own version, his knowledge of the human mind allowed him to develop empathy for his captor to finally free him.
Stockholm syndrome has been widely studied. An investigation by the FBI, which analyzed data from 4,700 kidnapping victims, found that In 27% of cases this syndrome develops. Apparently there are three determining factors when developing it:
According to psychologist Pascual García Senderos: “What is surprising is that the individual who has been kidnapped and who is deprived of his freedom takes the side of the kidnapper and not the rescuers. It seems incredible how a person who is a victim of a kidnapping can develop attachment to the person who has held him, but the truth is that, surely, the kidnapped person is grateful for having treated him well and not having killed him.
