by campaign of hate 21 Replies latest jw friends
This topic is what what it says on the tin. Do JWs suffer/are suffering, from Stockholm syndrome?
Getting abused (mentally) and then seem to form a relationship with the captives (WTBTS).
There is also a condition called Oslo syndrome, but haven't read up much about it.
Personally, i think i might be suffering from the former.
Would love to get a few opinions....
Do JWs suffer/are suffering, from Stockholm syndrome?
Absolutely they do.
http://drjoecarver.makeswebsites.com/clients/49355/File/love_and_stockholm_syndrome.html
(the 'victim' is the JW and the 'abuser' is the WTS):
Every syndrome has symptoms or behaviors and Stockholm Syndrome is no exception. While a clear-cut list has not been established due to varying opinions by researchers and experts, several of these features will be present:
- Positive feelings by the victim toward the abuser/controller
- Negative feelings by the victim toward family, friends, or authorities trying to rescue/support them or win their release
- Support of the abuser’s reasons and behaviors
- Positive feelings by the abuser toward the victim
- Supportive behaviors by the victim, at times helping the abuser
- Inability to engage in behaviors that may assist in their release or detachment
It has been found that four situations or conditions are present that serve as a foundation for the development of Stockholm Syndrome. These four situations can be found in hostage, severe abuse, and abusive relationships:
- The presence of a perceived threat to one’s physical or psychological survival and the belief that the abuser would carry out the threat.
- The presence of a perceived small kindness from the abuser to the victim
- Isolation from perspectives other than those of the abuser
- The perceived inability to escape the situation
The relationship that JWs have with the WTS is a classic case of Stockholm Syndrome.
I recently saw this doco on the Jonestown massacre/mass suicide and it shocked me at how elements of both mind and physical controls were in place and the geographic isolation was key to it working so horrifically. But would I be right in concluding that "mind control" is on a spectrum with the WT being somewhere in the middle?
Just wondering.
I agree.
Actually I think it is common among religious people.
sparrowdown: But would I be right in concluding that "mind control" is on a spectrum with the WT being somewhere in the middle?
If you were to place "mind control" on a spectrum, I would place the WT in the 'high' category.
The WTS/JWs are a high control cult. They don't even need the geographical isolation that some suicide cults employ - they manage to control their members by isolating them within the culture at large. And, they even manage to convince their members to die to prove their loyalty. That is high control, not medium.
OrphanCrow,
I really appreciate your analysis of this issue in relationship to JWs.
You nailed it.
While JWs might not be going all "Jonestown" (yet), they are certainly well toward that end of the destructive end of the spectrum.
Oubliette
Orphancrow: The WTS/JWs are a high control cult. They don't even need the geographical isolation that some suicide cults employ - they manage to control their members by isolating them within the culture at large. And, they even manage to convince their members to die to prove their loyalty. That is high control, not medium.
great comment!
spot on.....
