What is a Double Bind?
A double bind refers to a situation in psychology where two conflicting commands or messages are given simultaneously. When adhering to one command, it results in an error in relation to the other. This places the recipient in a state of confusion and stress, making any action potentially problematic.
Double bind theory was first stated by Gregory Bateson and his colleagues in the 1950s Reference:【Double bind - Wikipedia】 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_bind
Related Articles: 【What is a Double Bind?: A Definition】
Emotional contagion and self-acceptance perspective
The internal conflict stemming from contradictions can be likened to the act of balancing. For me, it forms the foundation of value judgments. I believe that the formal aspects of the double bind alone can't fully capture its essence. This is because both positive and negative situations can appear similar from an external viewpoint. In my quest to discern these conflicting situations more accurately, the concept of "emotional contagion" has become key to my understanding.
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When faced with a situation where "two conflicting messages or commands are presented simultaneously", and when this situation is further complicated by the "transference (emotional contagion) of the sender's emotional state", the recipient is likely to experience negative psychological effects. I perceive this to be the true nature of the double bind. The concepts of transference and countertransference have been enlightening in this context. There's a certain allure in the potential applications of countertransference, but it also comes with its own set of limitations.
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Yet, such situations of "two conflicting messages given at once" have been effectively utilized, as seen in the approaches of researchers like Erickson. The crucial factor here is the "supportive attitude" displayed towards the recipient. This differs from mere pedagogical dominance or a desire to control others. From my personal experience, the key to overcoming the double bind and reconciling these contradictions has been "self-acceptance".
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The Double Bind in Professional Life: My Personal Experience
Throughout my career, I have encountered the perplexing phenomenon of the double bind on three significant occasions. Although it's challenging to put such experiences into words, I'll attempt to describe the sensory, emotional, and cognitive reactions I underwent.
Physical Reactions:
The physical sensation is akin to the discomfort one feels after consuming something indigestible. It manifests as a stomach discomfort that seems to border on nausea.
Emotional Reactions:
The conflict starts with a positive transference, a scenario where I was initially perceived in a flattering light, reminiscent of societal ideals. However, within a span of months, this shifted to its polar opposite, a negative transference, evoking stark criticisms. This sudden change in perception made me question the consistency of the individual's views towards me, often leaving me baffled and wondering, "What just happened?" My reaction to this shift feels akin to how one might respond to passive-aggressive behavior. Both situations highlight a disconnect between emotions and consciousness, as well as a gap between spoken words and actions. Moreover, there's the unexpected betrayal of one's trust and anticipation, further emphasizing their similarities. Perhaps there are parallels between the two concepts, and exploring them might provide further insights into this dilemma.
Cognitive Reactions:
There were times when comments directed at me felt like they were boomeranging back to the issuer. It appeared as if the very behaviors they were critiquing in me were, in fact, more emblematic of their own actions. The predominant thought being, "Aren't you describing yourself more than you are describing me?"
Navigating the Double Bind:
My current approach to these challenges is inspired by the concept of attachment. If the defense mechanisms of idealization and devaluation seem to flip within a span of a few months, I propose another layer of abstract hypothesis, possibly even encompassing the double bind.
When faced with a decision, it's a matter of either embracing and observing the situation or establishing a boundary and choosing separation. Regardless of the choice, there are silver linings: psychological challenges become trials of personal growth, and any financial setbacks are reframed as investments in learning.
Reference:【Attachment theory - Wikipedia】 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attachment_theory
Reference:【Idealization and devaluation - Wikipedia】 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idealization_and_devaluation
Reference:【Defence mechanism - Wikipedia】 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence_mechanism
