Double Bind (Noun)
Meaning
(psychology) an unresolvable dilemma; situation in which a person receives contradictory messages from a person who is very powerful.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The child was in a double bind when her mother, who had complete control over her allowance, demanded that she be more independent and make her own money.
- In the therapy session, the client described feeling trapped in a double bind when her husband demanded she lose weight, but also became angry whenever she talked about dieting.
- The employee was in a double bind when his boss required him to meet impossible sales targets, but also prohibited him from using any sales tactics that might be seen as aggressive.
- The politician found herself in a double bind when her constituents demanded she reduce taxes, but also insisted that she increase funding for popular public programs.
- The college student felt stuck in a double bind when her parents insisted she choose a "practical" major, but also expected her to follow her passion and pursue a career in the arts.