The criminal known for his role in a notable hostage situation that gave rise to "Stockholm syndrome" has died at 78. His actions in a 1973 bank robbery in Sweden left an indelible mark on psychology, giving rise to debates on victim behaviors in traumatic circumstances.
Notorious Criminal Behind 'Stockholm Syndrome' Passes Away at 78
Notorious Criminal Behind 'Stockholm Syndrome' Passes Away at 78
Clark Oloffson, the figure who helped create the term "Stockholm syndrome," has died, sparking reflection on his legacy and the infamous 1973 incident.
Clark Oloffson, notorious for his pivotal role in the 1973 Stockholm bank heist that birthed the term "Stockholm syndrome," has passed away at 78, as reported by his family. Oloffson gained notoriety during a six-day standoff, where hostages inexplicably grew sympathetic towards him and his partner, Jan-Erik Olsson, while harboring animosity towards law enforcement.
The term describes a complex emotional response where captives develop positive feelings for their abductors. The siege began when Olsson, after taking hostages, demanded the release of Oloffson from prison. Authorities acquiesced, making Oloffson's entry into the bank possible. His presence significantly influenced the dynamics of the situation.
One of the hostages, Kristin Enmark, even defended the actions of her captors during phone calls with the Prime Minister, extolling their treatment of her and expressing trust in Oloffson. "They haven't done a thing to us," she claimed, a sentiment indicative of the baffling psychological response associated with the ordeal.
The standoff concluded dramatically after police intervention. Initial reluctance from the hostages to leave their captors has spurred significant discourse surrounding the psychological implications of the event. While experts have debated whether "Stockholm syndrome" is a legitimate psychological condition, it was first articulated by criminologist Nils Bejerot, gaining mainstream traction especially after the abduction of Patty Hearst by militants in 1974.
Enmark, later reflecting on her experience, dismissed the notion of "Stockholm syndrome" as victim-blaming, underscoring the desperate need for self-preservation in traumatic situations. Oloffson, a repeat offender, experienced intermittent incarceration throughout his life, receiving his last release in 2018 after a drug-related offense. His story garnered renewed attention with portrayal by actor Bill Skarsgård in the Netflix series "Clark."
