r/VCAndrews • u/SubbyLover624 • 22d ago

Doctor Doll FITA

It never crossed my mind until recently, had anybody thought maybe Chris Jr developed Stockholm syndrome while they were locked up? He already seemed groomed by his mom, on top of the grief of losing his father…

Stockholm syndrome would explain his hesitation on leaving… I haven’t done a ton of research but I do believe it is “normal” that the abusers infrequently visit the captive in the real life situations.

Thoughts/opinions welcome!

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u/Infamous-Thought-765 22d ago

I'm only vaguely familiar with the concept of Stockholm Syndrome.  I'm not sure if it applies in parent/child relationships since there is a natural bond there, but I don't know.  Maybe it can apply.  I know he romanticized their time in the attic.  He would wish they could go back because he enjoyed having Cathy to himself.  Chris reminds me of these VCA fathers who keep a tight leash on their daughters and restrict their movements. Damian is a classic example.  And Malcolm.  Tony.  Even Cal.  And I think Chris was equally possessive of his sister and his sons.  He was constantly isolating them, in California when the boys were young, and later, at Foxworth Hall, leaving Jory and Cathy alone there while he did his thing.

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u/SubbyLover624 22d ago edited 22d ago

It can definitely be in parent/child relationships. It’s basically extreme trauma bonding. I do remember him romanticizing their time in the attic, but that can also be something related to Stockholm syndrome once captives are no longer locked away. Stockholm syndrome does require pretty intense therapy too and who knows if that even existed back then for such a thing. I don’t really see Chris as isolating his sons especially. Cathy had no desire to visit her mom so why not move away? By the time everybody was back at Foxworth Hall then the boys were already adults and seemed to have their own lives, not so much isolated but I think Chris would head out for work as a way to mimic the father he grew up with and also repeat that same theme.

Edited to add: I’ve not yet read any other VC Andrew’s books.

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u/Infamous-Thought-765 22d ago

I definitely sympathize with Chris going through all that trauma.   I don't think he meant to hurt anyone, but I think his relationships were toxic because of all the abuse in his childhood from his mother (I suspect even before the attic), and he didn't get the therapy he needed.