Citation

Mohandie K. J. Threat Assess. 2002; 2(1): 3-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J177v02n01_02

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This conceptual article describes the phenomenon of human captivity experiences, defined as any situation in which an individual is subjected to the control and will of another person or entity and surrenders power, autonomy, and independence. The article proposes that captivity experiences may be legitimate or socially sanctioned, such as when individuals are medically or criminally institutionalized, and extend to another extreme involving criminal, deviant, harmful, and illegitimate captivity as in kidnaping situations. A review of how captivity is initiated, maintained, and concluded is provided. Case descriptions highlight the dynamics of these complex situations, as well as the impact on victims. As a concept, captivity may provide a unifying theme to describe the dynamics that underlie many victim experiences, thus enhancing the knowledge base of victimology, the social science which examines how people become victims and react to these experiences (van Dijk, 1999).