The Double-Bind Concept and Gregory Bateson

Abstract

Sullivan (1944) has expressed the belief that language serves the vital function of preserving feelings of security among one’s fellow human beings. The schizophrenic’s peculiarities of language, he proposes, arise from an extreme need to feel secure. The schizophrenic does not believe that speech will help attain gratification; instead, it is used to counteract feelings of insecurity. The problem lies in recurrent severe disturbances in the schizophrenic’s relationships with people that result in a confusion of the critical faculties concerning the structure of spoken and written language.