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.
A situation in which a person must choose between equally unsatisfactory alternatives; a punishing and inescapable dilemma.
Main Entry: dou·ble bind Pronunciation: 'd&b-&l-'bInd Function: noun : a psychological predicament in which a person receives from a singlesource conflicting messages that allow no appropriate response to be made
