The Pattern of the Double-Bind in Mormonism

by Marion Stricker

How does one summarize a convoluted Pattern that defies common sense? Perhaps, that says it. The Pattern of The Double-Bind is a convoluted, insidious stratagem that turns our mental and emotional common sense world upside down. It is a circular pattern that ends in a vortex of depression and possible suicide. This book is the culmination of a twenty-year odyssey, a personal quest for a solution to an unknown problem that had become emotionally and intellectually intolerable for the author. What she found through trial and error, following threads and connections, was a pattern of behavior that she finally identified and named The Pattern of The Double-Bind . She first discovered it in her Mormon marriage, and then in Mormonism itself. Part I describes The Nature of The Pattern and The Double-Bind ; it defines and gives examples of what The Pattern is, how it is used in different stages - and what results are incurred in each stage. Parts II and III present personal experiences of The Pattern in the lives of former members of the Mormon church. The last section, Part IV, gives a Summary of The Pattern and its antidote ... in How to Free Oneself from The Pattern .

170 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 2000

Reviews

[Angel Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is an excellent analysis and very eye-opening, it can be a bit hard to follow for anyone who has not been immersed in the Mormon culture. I do wish that specific examples and details had been given when describing the pattern, rather than quotes from former members using Mormon terminology. This is the best book I have found so far, though, regarding the terrible 'Catch 22' situations that the Mormon church places its followers in, and a very validating read for those disenchanted members trying to exit the cult.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely helpful and readable read. I read this many years ago. What an eye opener!

[Maroš Činčura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal writing!

Read it from a perspective of Narcissistic manipulation and it's 100% correct! I've never seen the double-bind pattern being so openly exposed and broke down as here. For everyone who is confused by a religion, manipulative organization or a potentially manipulative person (Narcissism) - this book is a real eye opener!

[Grant Knuckles · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah but !

[Robert Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful in understanding the psychology of Mormonism and why I didn't fit within the religion.