Understanding The Complexities of Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm Syndrome refers to a perplexing psychological condition wherein a captive develops feelings of affection or empathy towards their captor. Although controversial within the mental health field due to ethical concerns, it is crucial to shed light on the majority-agreed symptoms. These symptoms include:
1. Emotional Bonding: The captive experiences positive emotions towards the abuser, forming a psychological attachment.
2. Negative Emotions: The captive feels negative emotions towards anyone attempting to rescue or support them, such as police, family, or friends.
3. Supportive Behavior: The captive may endorse the abuser’s motivations and actions, exhibiting supportive behavior.
4. Dependence: The captive finds it challenging to break free or detach themselves from the abuser, lacking the ability to engage in behaviors that could lead to their liberation.
5. Threat Perception: The victim perceives a threat, whether psychological or physical and believes that the abuser can carry it out.
6. Dominant Perspective: Frequently exposed only to the captor’s perspective, the captive’s perception becomes skewed, hindering their ability to see alternative viewpoints.
7. Perceived Helplessness: The captive believes they are unable to escape their captor due to real or imagined constraints.
8. Kindness Illusion: The captive may perceive occasional acts of kindness from the abuser, further complicating their emotional state.
While this summary only covers the symptoms, it is important to acknowledge that Stockholm Syndrome’s manifestation can vary based on factors such as the duration of the captivity, the environment, and the individuals involved.
In the comics, Harley was born into an abusive household with a harsh mother and a con man father who squandered all their money. Influenced by her father’s behavior, Harley became fixated on understanding the reasons behind his actions. She developed a theory that being in love shares similarities with being a criminal, which led to an experiment resulting in her boyfriend’s tragic demise. Following this event, Harley became a therapist at Arkham Asylum, and her journey continued from there.
Currently, Harley has moved on from the Joker and is now in a relationship with Ivy, although it seems that the Joker isn’t entirely over her.
Let’s dive into the first symptom, which is an essential part of understanding Harley’s character.
The captive feels positive emotions toward the abuser.
In the original cartoon, Harley has a romantic relationship with the Joker. However, it is worth noting that there are episodes where she expresses her hatred towards him and even attempts to physically harm or kill him. So, technically, she does experience conflicting emotions towards him at times.
The captive feels negative emotions for anyone trying to rescue/support them or win them away from the abuser (e.g., the police, family, friends).
While it may seem obvious, it’s important to mention that Harley does show positive emotions towards Ivy, despite Ivy expressing her disapproval of their relationship. Harley also displays kindness towards Dr. Leland, and in more recent comics, ends up dating her. So, although she harbors negative emotions towards law enforcement and Batman, she doesn’t exhibit as much hostility towards those who try to intervene or break them apart.
Supportive behavior and enabling the abuser.
This observation holds when examining Harley’s relationship with the Joker. Besides the Joker’s “slight” obsession with Batman, Harley tends to follow his chaotic behavior. However, it’s worth noting that this changes after she breaks up with him. So, during their relationship, she does support and assists him.
Inability to engage in behaviors that will release or detach themselves from the abuser.
Contrary to this symptom, Harley demonstrates the ability to distance herself from the Joker. In both the show and comics, she manages to break away from him and even goes clean. While she remains “in love” with the Joker, when pushed, she can separate herself from him.
Understanding these symptoms provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of Harley’s character.
Factors that may have contributed to her case of Stockholm syndrome:
Presence of a perceived threat: Whether psychological or physical, the victim believes the abuser will act upon it. It is worth noting that Harley seemed to fully comprehend the threat level to the Joker, almost finding it mundane.
Limited exposure to alternative perspectives: Although there were others present during her captivity, the dominant presence was the captor. However, considering Harley’s work at the Asylum, it is plausible that her colleagues and superiors shared their thoughts with her. Furthermore, Joker’s dominance may have been diminished in the presence of Batman.
Feeling confinement and escape constraints: Harley’s choices were manipulated by Joker, leading her to perceive limited options. It can be argued that Joker provided her with a clear choice, emphasizing his flirtatious behavior. However, when Harley expresses her desire for a committed relationship, Joker requires her to endure the acid bath. This incident aligns with the perception of being unable to escape.
Perception of kindness from the abuser: In short, yes, Joker exhibited acts of perceived kindness towards Harley.
Factors that may have contributed to her case of Stockholm syndrome
Presence of a perceived threat: Whether psychological or physical, the victim believes the abuser will act upon it. It is worth noting that Harley seemed to fully comprehend the threat level to the Joker, almost finding it mundane.
Limited exposure to alternative perspectives: Although there were others present during her captivity, the dominant presence was the captor. However, considering Harley’s work at the Asylum, it is plausible that her colleagues and superiors shared their thoughts with her. Furthermore, Joker’s dominance may have been diminished in the presence of Batman.
Feeling confinement and escape constraints: Harley’s choices were manipulated by Joker, leading her to perceive limited options. It can be argued that Joker provided her with a clear choice, emphasizing his flirtatious behavior. However, when Harley expresses her desire for a committed relationship, Joker requires her to endure the acid bath. This incident aligns with the perception of being unable to escape.
Perception of kindness from the abuser: In short, yes, Joker exhibited acts of perceived kindness towards Harley.
From all the analysis conducted, it is important to note that Harley does exhibit many of the symptoms of having Stockholm Syndrome. Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge that both Harley and Joker engage in abusive behaviors, including physical violence and attempted murder towards each other and numerous others. This aspect could potentially be a significant contributing factor to the love they have for each other. What are your thoughts? I believe this topic has the potential to spark a captivating conversation. I know many do not believe that she has Stockholm Syndrome. However, I believe that the new Harley Quinn is for a new generation and the stigma against mental illness is brought to light. I believe it has brought much-needed publicity for mental illness and disorders.