Psychology of Kidnapping

Huge resources through the government and private sectors have been allocated and reallocatedto the task of preventing kidnapping. These efforts, however, often lack aconceptual, let alone empirical based foundation for understanding kidnappers and theiracts of violence. This paper seeks to analyze and synthesize what has been reported fromtheoretical and empirical literature about the psychology of kidnapping. Based on a reviewof existing literature, and in an efforts to better understand the causes, motivations, anddeterminants of kidnapper behavior, this study analyzes key themes and findings on thepsychology of kidnapping: (1) No single psychological theory has gained ascendance as anexplanatory model for kidnapper violence. (2) Kidnapper violence most often is deliberate(not impulsive), strategic, and instrumental. (3) Perceived injustice, need for identify andneed for belongings are common motives among potential kidnapers. (4) Mental illness isnot a critical factor in explaining kidnapper behavior. Also most kidnappers are notpsychopaths. (5) There is no kidnapper personality nor is there any accurate profile of thekidnapper. (6) Kidnapper beliefs tend to provide a set of values that justify and mandatecertain behaviors. Those beliefs are regarded as absolute, and the behaviors are seen asserving a meaningful cause. Research on the psychology of kidnapping is embryonic at best.More research is needed to develop an evidence-based knowledge concerning the psychologyof kidnappers.