This article reports some results of a study on the effects of economic extortive kidnapping (EEK) on the family system, and on family beliefs about control over one's life, trust in others, and vulnerability to kidnapping. Eighteen families having one of their relatives in captivity and 54 who had their relative released were interviewed. During captivity, family communication and affective involvement improved. However, the negotiation made family relationships more prone to conflict. After release, family relationships became more empathetic; family communication and affective involvement improved, but the loss of trust in their surroundings and the fear of becoming victims again, led families to feel safe only in their own home and to perceive social context as threatening. Copyright © by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

kidnapping family trauma Extortion

Empathy male controlled study female family relation affect family interaction kidnapping relative victim Article interview conflict interpersonal communication human life event Trust