Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

According to Don D. Jackson's theory, what is a situation where messages are in-congruent yet diminish awareness called?

1. Double blind

2. Double bind

3. Confusion matrix

4. Communication paradox

The correct answer is: Double bind

In Don D. Jackson's theory, a "double bind" refers to a communication situation where a person receives two or more conflicting messages, creating a scenario where any response is likely to be viewed negatively, thus diminishing awareness and causing confusion. This concept emphasizes the paradoxical nature of these messages, leading to a sense of entrapment because the individual cannot escape the conflicting demands. The double bind situation often occurs in interpersonal relationships, especially within a familial or therapeutic context, where the contradictions in messages lead to a significant reduction in the individual's ability to navigate their environment effectively. This can create a psychological bind, as the person feels they are caught in a no-win scenario. While terms like "communication paradox" might seem relevant, they do not specifically capture the depth of entrapment and conflicting messages implied in a double bind. "Confusion matrix" does not align with this psychological concept and typically refers to a classification tool in applied statistics and machine learning. Therefore, the term that correctly applies to Jackson's theory is indeed "double bind."