Hero syndrome

Phenomenon affecting people who seek heroism or recognition

Hero syndrome is a psychological phenomenon which causes a person to seek recognition for heroism. Although hero syndrome is not recognised by the American Academy of Psychiatry due to its inconsistency with the definition of a syndrome, it is, by definition, a complex as individuals who present this often exhibit impulses that have a "common emotional tone and exert a strong but usually unconscious influence on the individual’s attitudes and behavior". However, in popular media and literature, it is referred to as the hero syndrome. The term is used to describe individuals who constantly seek appraisal for valiant or philanthropic acts, especially by creating a harmful situation which they then can resolve. This can include unlawful acts, such as arson. The term has been used to describe the behaviour of public servants, such as firefighters, nurses, police officers, security guards and politicians. The behaviour of individuals with hero syndrome can be detrimental to the lives of those around them, putting innocent people at risk in the pursuit of creating a "victim". Reasons for this kind of behaviour often vary.

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