Hostage Negotiators: Managing Psychological Stress

Abstract

Hostage negotiation is a complex and intense process. A variety of psychological stressors affect all members of the negotiation team. These stressors range from interactions with hostile and threatening hostage takers to the extended time span of some negotiations. Psychological stress can decrease the abilities of negotiators and potentially have a negative impact on the process of negotiations. This article is a review of the various stressors hostage negotiators may face and will describe stress management techniques specific to hostage negotiation. It is hoped this review and recommendations will increase the effectiveness of negotiations.