Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

double-bind

noun

/ˈdʌb.əl.baɪnd/

Definition

A situation in which a person receives contradictory messages or demands, creating a dilemma with no clear resolution.

Examples

In a double-bind situation, a child might be told by a parent to be independent but then punished for not seeking help.
She found herself in a double-bind when her boss asked her to be a team player while also criticizing her for collaborating with others.

Meaning

A double-bind is often used in psychology to describe a scenario where a person is faced with two conflicting choices or messages, making it impossible to act without facing negative consequences regardless of the choice they make.