double bind
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- a situation in which a person is faced with contradictory demands or expectations, so that any action taken will appear to be wrong
- dilemma (sense )
Origin:
see bind,
See double bind in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun- 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.