What could be a symptom of Stockholm Syndrome experienced by a hostage?

The correct choice highlights a central characteristic of Stockholm Syndrome, which occurs when hostages develop feelings of affection, empathy, or loyalty towards their captors, often perceiving them as victims themselves. This psychological response can arise in high-stress situations where the hostage feels a bond with the captor, perhaps as a survival mechanism or due to the intense emotions experienced during captivity.

Feeling empathy for a captor can manifest as viewing them as a victim of circumstance, rather than as an aggressor. This perception can lead to a distorted understanding of the captor's actions, where the hostage might rationalize or minimize the captor's violent behavior. This phenomenon illustrates how fear, dependency, and the need for social connection can dramatically alter the psychological state of individuals in hostage situations.

Other choices, such as refusing to eat, attempting to escape, or identifying other hostages as threats, do not align with the feelings and behaviors typically associated with Stockholm Syndrome. Instead, these options may reflect common reactions to trauma or stress but do not indicate the same emotional bond or psychological alignment with the captor.