Gendered Dimensions of Stockholm Syndrome: Examining Trauma Bonding Among Women and Girls Held by Boko Haram
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jgrs.3422Keywords:
Boko Haram, Stockholm Syndrome, Trauma Bonding, Women and Girls, Coercive Control, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, NigeriaAbstract
Purpose: This article examines Stockholm Syndrome in the context of Boko Haram insurgency.
Methodology: It employed a doctrinal research methodology to achieve these objectives.
Findings: The paper argues that trauma bonding in Boko Haram captivity is shaped by cycles of violence, dependency, indoctrination, and gendered power structures.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The research contributes to interdisciplinary knowledge by linking trauma bonding theories with legal frameworks governing sexual violence, forced marriage, and crimes against humanity. It demonstrates how psychological survival responses should be legally interpreted as evidence of coercion rather than consent, thereby informing accountability, reparations, and victim-status determinations under international law. It further analyses the implications for reintegration, counterterrorism, transitional justice, and survivor-centred psychosocial support. The study concludes by recommending the integration of trauma-informed mental-health frameworks, culturally grounded reintegration models, and survivor-centred rehabilitation policies.
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References
Books and Reports
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Journal Articles
1. Agbiboa, D, E, ‘The Psychology of Terrorism in Nigeria: Boko Haram and the Islamic State’ (2021) 59(1) Africa Spectrum 38.
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8. Zenn Jacobs ‘Boko Haram’s Ideology: From the Abduction of the Chibok Girls to the Decline of the Caliphate’ (2018) 7(2) J Terrorism Research 45
Newspaper / Magazine Article
1. Nwaubani A T, ‘Chibok girls changed by shame, Stockholm syndrome – experts (2018) available at <https://www.reuters.com/article/worldchibok-girls-changed-by-shame-stokholn-syndrome-experts-idUSKBN1F7225/> accessed on 31/12/2024
2. Nast C, ‘The Women Rescued from Boko Haram Who Are Returning to Their Captors’ (20 December 2018) The New Yorker available at <https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/the-women-rescued-from-boko-haram-who-are-returning-to-their-captors> accessed 24 June 2022
3. Stockholm Syndrome: What It Is, Symptoms & How to Treat’ available at <https://.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diaseases/22387-stolkholm-syndrome> accessed on 30/12/2024
4. Ludovica Laccino ‘Stockholm syndrome: Why Boko Haram and Isis slaves choose to stay with their captors’ (2017) available at <https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/stockholm-syndrome-why-boko-haram-isis-slave-choose-to-stay-their-captors-1642507> accessed on 31/12/202
5. UNODC, ‘Handbook for the Judiciary on Effective Criminal Justice Responses to Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls’ available at < https://www.undoc.org/pdf/criminal_justice/HB_for_the_Judiciary_On_Effective_Criminal_Justice_Women_and_Girls_E_ebooks.pdf> accessed 24 June 2022.
6. What Is Stockholm Syndrome?’ available at <https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-stolkholm-syndrome> accessed on 31/12/2024
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Copyright (c) 2026 Safiya Shettima Umar, Dr. Kaltum Abdullahi Talba, Sadiq Mohammed Kachallah, Kiramat Farayola Suleiman Lawal
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