A double bind, as described by Nora Bateson, is a complex psychological predicament in which an individual or group receives two or more conflicting messages, where one negates the other, leaving no avenue for resolution or escape. This contradictory communication usually manifests in interpersonal relationships or social structures, leading to chronic stress and confusion because any response or action appears inherently wrong. The pernicious nature of the double bind lies in its layered, often implicit, directives that trap the subject in a loop of self-doubt and inability to meet the expectations placed upon them. Understanding double binds is crucial to recognizing the intricate web of human communication, especially how systemic patterns of interaction can perpetuate dysfunction and distress. It is both a challenge and an invitation to explore the deeper, often invisible, realms of relational dynamics and societal norms.

See also: gregory bateson, systems theory, complexity, relational process, systems thinking