Torturers and their victims: Theory, research, and clinical perspectives

This article provides an overview of the psychological dynamics associated with torture and examines its consequences on the victims. Initially, we investigate the psychological processes driving torturers to engage in extreme violence and brutality. Central to this exploration are the concepts of dehumanization and desensitization, which allow torturers to emotionally distance themselves from their victims and enact their aggressive behaviors. We elucidate how dehumanization and desensitization are often associated with the presence of a disordered personality, such as psychopathy, antisocial personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. Subsequently, we delve into the complex interplay of survival and defense mechanisms utilized by victims during the traumatic experience of torture. We examine how victims may form a traumatic bond with their tormentors as a coping mechanism for their physical and psychological suffering—a bond that may persist even after their release. This bond may manifest as a heteronomous will, in which victims continue to adhere to the torturer’s demands even after liberation, resulting in a deconstruction of their identity and a profound sensation of existing as “living dead.” This enduring bound can profoundly impact victims’ emotions, behaviors, and relationships, contributing to the onset of severe clinical conditions, with evidence showing increased prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms among survivors. Finally, we evaluate therapeutic interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating individuals who have endured torture. Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative exposure therapy, and the wraparound approach, clinicians can address the multifaceted psychological needs of torture survivors. Through empathetic and respectful therapeutic interventions, torture victims can receive the necessary support to navigate through the processing of their traumatic experiences. Consequently, they can regain a sense of agency and restore their self-esteem, thereby progressing along the trajectory towards achieving healing and recovery.