![]() As a form of psychological abuse, gaslighting can include intimidation, verbal mistreatment, and covert manipulation. Gaslighters may or may not realise they are engaging in gaslighting and can occur verbally or electronically (Small, Porterfield & Gordon, 2015). Gaslighting methods can involve hiding information from the victim, changing information, or creating information, in order to gain control and maintain power (Petric, 2018). Currently, there is limited empirical research regarding gaslighting, however is an up-and-coming topic, especially due to its recent popularity across social media (Moody, 2019). Overuse may lead to downplaying the serious consequences of the abuse. Gaslighting has gained popularity on social media and concerns of diluting the term’s potency through overuse have arisen. It is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary and American Psychological Association as manipulation by psychological means into questioning his or her own sanity. The term gaslight originates from the 1944 movie Gaslight (see Figure 2), involving a husband using trickery to convince his wife that she is delusional to steal from her. A screenshot from the film Gaslight, where the husband is gaslighting his wife with a domineering presence. Gaslighting may occur in any type of relationship and often arises due to a power imbalance.Įtymology Figure 2. Theories surrounding characteristics of gaslighters have been developed based on emotional abuse principles, however further research is needed in this area. Gaslighting can present in various forms, often subtly and inconspicuously. What are the emotional consequences of gaslighting?.As gaslighting is viewed as a form of emotional abuse, this chapter applies theories about psychological abuse to the principles and implications of gaslighting. Research about gaslighting is limited and most evidence is anecdotal. This chapter aims to highlight the key characteristics of gaslighting and share what is currently known about the topic. The term gaslighter or abuser is given to the person who desires to maintain control and power, and the term gaslightee can be given to the victim or survivor experiencing the effects of gaslighting (Hightower, 2017). It may occur with malicious intent, however is not always present. Gaslighting, similar to other types of psychological abuse, is known to lead to high levels of distress (see Figure 1) and anxiety, and can contribute to existing and the development of various psychological conditions. It is a form of psychological or emotional abuse that can be difficult to recognise by both parties involved. ![]() Gaslighting is a colloquialism that refers to the act of psychologically manipulating another person's (or group of people) perceptions into doubting their memories, experiences, or thoughts. A depiction of stress, a common response to gaslighting 4 What are the emotional consequences of gaslighting?.
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