"Narcissistic double binding" is not a widely recognized or established psychological term. It might be a combination of two concepts related to narcissistic behavior: "narcissistic double-talk" and "double bind."
Narcissistic Double-Talk: Narcissistic double-talk refers to the manipulative communication style employed by narcissists. They often use vague, contradictory, or confusing language to keep others off balance and maintain control over them. This tactic can make it challenging for the target to understand the narcissist's true intentions, needs, or desires, leading to confusion and dependency on the narcissist for clarity.
Double Bind: The concept of a "double bind" originates from family systems theory, popularized by Gregory Bateson. It describes a situation where a person is confronted with two conflicting messages, both of which have negative consequences. The person is unable to escape the dilemma, leading to confusion, anxiety, and an inability to make the "right" choice. In the context of narcissistic relationships, a double bind might be created when the narcissist sets up a situation in which the target is faced with contradictory expectations and is bound to fail, no matter what they do.
The combination of these two concepts might imply that a narcissistic double binding refers to a situation where a narcissist uses manipulative language and contradictory messages to place their target in a psychological double bind, creating confusion and dependency on the narcissist.
However, it's crucial to recognize that the concept of "narcissistic double binding" is not a formal psychological term and is not recognized as a specific diagnostic category or behavior in psychological literature. Narcissistic behavior can manifest in various ways, including manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse, but these behaviors are often better understood and addressed within the context of established psychological concepts.