Dubbelbindande

Dubbelbindande, often translated as double binding, is a term used to describe a communication dilemma where an individual receives two or more conflicting messages. These messages, when taken literally, create a situation where no matter which message is followed, the recipient is in the wrong or faces negative consequences. This can lead to confusion, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness for the recipient.

The concept of double binding was first described by anthropologist Gregory Bateson and his colleagues in the 1950s. They observed this communication pattern in families, particularly in relation to the development of schizophrenia. While the initial research linked double binding to severe psychological conditions, the concept has since been broadened to understand difficult communication dynamics in various contexts, including personal relationships and professional settings.

A classic example of a double bind involves a mother telling her child "Come here and give me a hug," but then stiffening or pulling away when the child approaches. The child is simultaneously asked for affection and implicitly rejected. Another example is an employer telling an employee to be more assertive but then punishing them for being too aggressive. The core of a double bind lies in the contradiction between the explicit message and the implicit message, often conveyed through non-verbal cues or the context of the situation. The lack of a clear way out of the conflicting demands is what makes it a binding situation.