On hostage taking (a psychoanalytic object).
Abstract   Hostage taking is a pervasive phenomenon in human relations, in groups, and in societies. It exists literally, figuratively, and psychologically, and hence is both a phenomenon in the mind and in the outside world. A case example illustrates how group members (including the leader) hold, or may seem to hold, others hostage by their words and actions. By conceptualizing and focusing on a series of interactions as a type of object relationship, that is, a complex idea worthy of attention, the group came to understand and experience hostage taking as a "psychoanalytic object."
Derner Institute, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, USA. RMBillow@gmail.com
Richard M
RM
Billow
D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*