Double bind theory

• Double bind - an emotionally distressing dilemma in communication in which an individual receives two or more conflicting messages, one message negates another
• Bateson suggested that children who frequently receive contradictory messages from their parents are more likely to develop schizophrenia
• Children who experience double bind may find themselves trapped in situations where they fear doing the wrong thing, but receive mixed messages about what this is and also feel unable to comment on the unfairness of the situation or seek clarification
• Double bind leaves children with an understanding of the world that is confusing and dangerous, and this is reflected in their symptoms such as disorganised thinking and paranoid delusions
• AO3 - Berger

  Found that schizophrenics reported a higher recall of double bind statements by their mothers than non-schizophrenics.

  However this evidence may not be reliable as patients recall might be effected by their schizophrenia
• AO3 - other studies

  Other studies are not so supportive

  Liem measured patterns of parental communication in families with a schizophrenic child and found no difference when compared to normal families