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double bind

   Also found in: Medical, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
double bind
n.
1. A psychological impasse created when contradictory demands are made of an individual, such as a child or an employee, so that no matter which directive is followed, the response will be construed as incorrect.
2. A situation in which a person must choose between equally unsatisfactory alternatives; a punishing and inescapable dilemma.

double bind
n
a situation of conflict from which there is no escape; unresolvable dilemma
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.double bind - (psychology) an unresolvable dilemma; situation in which a person receives contradictory messages from a person who is very powerful
dilemma, quandary - state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
psychological science, psychology - the science of mental life


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95 Paperback Understanding contemporary American literature PS3558 Pinsker (emeritus American literature and creative writing, Franklin and Marshall College, Pennsylvania) explores the distinctive themes and features of American author Heller's (1923-99) whole body of work, in addition to Catch-22, the 1961 novel that made him famous and drove the phrase double bind from the English language.
This new study suggests that women who seek managerial roles face a double bind.
Otherwise you (or those you manage) get caught in the psychological trap known as the double bind - the unspoken demand whereby, in the words of the philosopher Alan Watts, "you are required to do something that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily".
 
 
 
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