Responses
I agree + nowadays people confuse trauma bonding as bonding with someone over shared traumatic experiences ☠ OPEN THE SCHOOLS
Its also important to note that Stockholm syndrome isn't actually real. The case that the term is based on was actually an event in which the police were acting dangerously and erratically so the hostages "sided" with the hostage taker because he was actively less dangerous to them than the police.
There are no studies proving it exists, and many that prove it doesn't. It isn't in the DSM because it just isn't real.
So, I noticed this... Alot of people are confusing Stockholm syndrome(ss) and trauma Bonding(tb)..
What's basically happening isn't SS but TB. The MC is aware of the abuse and manipulation, but the "softness" during the calm is what he's latching into. It's a survival instinct, but also a way to keep himself in control, even if it's an illusion. He realized actually a specific way will keep him "loved'.
While SS occurs more short term hostage situations, and unexpectedly happens. TB is more gradual ... Basically"training " them to bond with their abuser.