Introduction
Patricia (Patty) Hearst, an heiress to a media empire, gained notoriety after her kidnapping and subsequent involvement in terrorist acts alongside the American group Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in 1974. One should state that Stockholm Syndrome can explain the behavior and contradictory decisions of Hearst during her involvement in SLA activities. The question of whether she was indeed a victim of Stockholm Syndrome or simply a spoiled rich young woman seeking excitement remains a subject of discussion and debate.
Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where a kidnap victim or hostage begins to sympathize, identify, and cooperate with their captors. In the case of Patty, there are several arguments in favor of her being influenced by Stockholm Syndrome. After her kidnapping, Hearst was subjected to manipulation, isolation, violence, and threats from SLA members. She also declared her allegiance to the SLA’s ideology in recorded messages, which could indicate that she was trying to survive by adapting to her circumstances (Walsh & Jorgensen, 2019).
Alternative Perspectives
On the other hand, some people believe that Hearst may have been a spoiled woman searching for adventure. She participated in several bank robberies and armed actions, which could testify to her own will and joining the SLA. Nevertheless, Hearst rebuilt her life after her arrest and release, marrying and becoming a mother of two children (Rahaim & Matusitz, 2020). This may suggest that Hearst was able to overcome her “transformation” into a gangster and that she was more likely a victim of Stockholm Syndrome than a voluntary participant in crimes.
Conclusion
However, it is impossible to say with certainty whether she was a victim of Stockholm Syndrome or just someone who did what she wanted to do because of the intricacy of this situation and the incomplete picture. Subsequently, Patricia rebuilt her life, which speaks to her strength and ability to adapt to circumstances. Her experience with the SLA helped her become stronger and learn to value her life and family.
References
Rahaim, A., & Matusitz, J. (2020). Patty Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA): An examination through differential association theory. Journal of Applied Security Research, 15(3), 408-422.
Walsh, A., & Jorgensen, C. (2019). Criminology: The essentials (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.