Notorious Criminal Behind "Stockholm Syndrome" Dies at 78

The death of Clark Oloffson, a key figure in the 1973 bank heist that led to the term "Stockholm syndrome," reignites discussions on the psychological phenomena experienced by hostages. His interactions during the siege challenged perceptions of captor-victim dynamics, highlighting the intricate connections formed in dire circumstances.

Clark Oloffson, the criminal whose actions gave rise to the term “Stockholm syndrome,” has died at the age of 78, as confirmed by his family in an announcement to Dagens ETC. Oloffson became infamous in 1973 after a dramatic six-day bank heist in Sweden where hostages developed surprising affections for their captors, leading to the coining of a psychological term that continues to spark debate.

The events unfolded when Oloffson was brought into a bank by his accomplice, Jan-Erik Olsson, who had taken several hostages while demanding Oloffson's presence. Despite being surrounded by police, the dynamic shifted as the hostages, including Kristin Enmark, began to advocate for their captors, insisting on their safety and kindness during their ordeal. Enmark notably communicated with the Swedish prime minister, expressing her trust in Oloffson and the robber, which personified the psychological complexities of captivity.

Years later, Oloffson claimed in an interview that he was supposed to help ensure the hostages’ safety in exchange for leniency, a deal he felt was not honored by authorities. Following the prolonged ordeal, when police finally intervened, the hostages hesitated to escape for fear of police retaliation, reinforcing the perplexing notion that can arise in such extreme circumstances.

While Oloffson’s actions led to widespread discussions about Stockholm syndrome, experts have debated whether it truly qualifies as a psychiatric condition, suggesting it may serve as a coping mechanism for trauma. The term was actually introduced by Swedish criminologist Nils Bejerot during the aftermath of the heist and gained further attention when socialite Patty Hearst experienced a similar dynamic in 1974 while kidnapped by militants.

Critics of the term, including Enmark, argue it places undue blame on victims, framing their behavior in ways that minimize their experiences of survival instinct. Oloffson, known for his criminal history, was imprisoned multiple times before being released in 2018 after serving a sentence in Belgium. His life and actions have also been depicted in popular culture, notably in the Netflix series "Clark," starring actor Bill Skarsgård. As discussions on psychological resilience in the face of captivity continue, Oloffson’s legacy and the phenomenon he inspired remain poignant and contentious.