Clark Olofsson, 78, Dies; Bank Robber Helped Inspire ‘Stockholm Syndrome’

Clark Olofsson, a notorious Swedish bank robber, passed away at the age of 78. Olofsson's role in a 1973 bank heist brought attention to the psychological phenomenon now known as "Stockholm syndrome," where hostages develop a sympathetic bond with their captors. During the 1973 incident, Olofsson and another man held several people hostage in a bank. Surprisingly, the hostages later defended the robbers, a puzzling reaction that sparked interest in the Stockholm syndrome concept. Olofsson's life was marked by a criminal history, including various robbery and assault convictions. The term "Stockholm syndrome" was coined to describe the surprising empathy the hostages displayed towards their captors during the 1973 event. This psychological response has since been observed in other hostage situations and abusive relationships. Olofsson's role in the incident that helped define this syndrome remains a significant part of his legacy, even as he passed away at the age of 78.