Mr. King sends Randy mixed messages with his communication pattern. He will hug him while he is bitterly criticizing him. Randy is never sure if he loves him or dislikes him. What type of communication pattern is Mr. King most likely exhibiting?

Question

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A double bind is a communication pattern in which a person sends two conflicting messages to another person simultaneously. The messages are often contradictory, and the person receiving them is unable to respond in a way that satisfies both messages. In this case, Mr. King is hugging Randy while criticizing him, which sends conflicting messages about his feelings towards him. Randy is left unsure of how to respond or interpret Mr. King's intentions, suggesting that this is a double bind communication pattern.

Mr King Sends Randy Mixed Messages with His Communication Pattern