body double

The psychological sense was coined by ADHD coach Linda Anderson in 1996.[1][2]

body double (plural body doubles)

1. A film stand-in for an actor, in scenes not involving the face, especially during scenes of nudity, or of dangerous activity.
2. A political decoy; a person employed to impersonate a politician, in order to draw attention away from the real person or to take risks on their behalf.
3. (psychology) A person who is present nearby — or virtually connected to — a person with ADHD in order to increase their attention and focus.
   • 1999, Raizi Abby Janus, Mapping Careers with LD and ADD Clients: Guidebook and Case Studies‎, Columbia University Press, →ISBN, page 211:

     The coach should be prepared to become the client’s [ADDer's] “body double.” Her presence, especially with direct eye contact, sharpens the client’s attention and vigilance

body double (third-person singular simple present body doubles, present participle body doubling, simple past and past participle body doubled)

1. To act as a body double.
   1. To stand-in for an actor in a film.
   2. To impersonate a politician in order to draw attention away from the real person or to take risks on their behalf.
   3. (psychology) To be present nearby — or virtually connected to — a person with ADHD in order to increase their attention and focus.
      • 1998, Judith Kolberg, Conquering Chronic Disorganization‎, 2nd edition, Decatur: Squall Press, published 2006, →ISBN, page 108:

        I suggest that instead of actively attempting to organize Beth, Jack should body double for her. In this new passive role, Jack putters with his own work while Beth organizes her desk.

• (film): stunt double, stuntman, understudy
• (psychology): Hawthorne effect, social facilitation