Abstract
Bateson's “double bind” has been thought of as a logical and philosophical problem, because it is characterized by a logical paradox of the message. However it is also characterized by the untenability of family relationships and the rigidity of family systems. From this point of view, the double bind is a sociological problem.
By the system theory the double bind situation is described as follows. At one level in the family system, positive feedback occurs which requires a change in the system, but at a higher level, negative feedback occurs restricting positive feedback and stabilizing the system as a whole. This complicated situation constrains the family's interactional pattern and binds family members.
However this situation can be dissolved by the doctor's intervention which will restrict negative feedback and change the family system as a whole with the aid of positive feedback. This way of dissolving the double bind provides a possible suggestion as to how to dissolve strains within a rigid social system.
