Written by: Yujia Ding
Edited by: Matthew Supa
While it is a form of psychological manipulation which may appear to be subtle, gaslighting is, in reality, incredibly damaging. Fundamentally, gaslighting occurs when someone tries to make another person question their reality, memory, or perceptions, often leading the victim to doubt their sanity– something which, over time, can cause significant harm to their overall mental health. This article explores what gaslighting is, why people engage in it, why it's so harmful, and exactly how to recognize the signs of this toxic behavior.
Gaslighting, a term originally derived from the 1944 film Gaslight, involves actions being taken in order to make victims feel as though they cannot trust their perception of reality (Sweet, 2019). At its core, gaslighting is about control; the manipulator subtly distorts the truth to gain power over the victim's emotions and responses, often in close relationships, workplaces, or familial settings (Khan et al., 2024; Ahmad & Kutty, 2024). As a part of this abusive dynamic, the gaslighter might repeatedly deny that events have taken place or manipulate the circumstances surrounding a particular situation, often leading the victim to feel confused, insecure, and increasingly reliant on the gaslighter’s version of reality.
Gaslighting behavior is, in many instances, a tool used by individuals seeking to exert control or power over others. Gaslighters may have underlying psychological motivations, such as a need for dominance or control, personal insecurities, or unresolved childhood traumas. Some researchers argue that gaslighting is closely tied to social structures supporting unequal power dynamics, which may even include gender stereotypes and societal norms (Sweet, 2019). For example, gaslighting is often observed in abusive relationships in which traditional gender roles are a significant presence, often displaying a reinforcement of the idea that women may be “emotional” or “irrational,” a notion which a manipulative partner might use to undermine a woman’s self-confidence (Farooq et al., 2024).
Gaslighting can also appear in settings where there is an imbalance of authority. This is especially present in such environments as workplaces or educational institutions where individuals in positions of power can more easily manipulate others to maintain control (Ahmad & Kutty, 2024).
Gaslighting’s impact on one’s mental health can be severe and long-lasting. Victims of gaslighting often experience anxiety, depression, confusion, or even a diminished sense of self-worth (Sweet, 2019). This form of manipulation can substantially erode the victim's confidence and trust in their own mind, resulting in a feeling of dependence on the gaslighter for "truth." Research indicates that constant exposure to gaslighting can lead to issues such as increased self-doubt, isolation, or, potentially, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Farooq et al., 2024). Victims may also experience a heightened need for external validation, as they lose trust in their ability to perceive reality accurately (Khan et al., 2024).
In familial settings–and, in particular, in parent-child relationships–gaslighting can have lifelong consequences for a child, particularly with regard to their mental health. Emotional manipulation by parents or caregivers, for instance, can lead to issues such as low self-confidence, social anxiety, and a heightened risk of other mental health challenges later in adulthood (Ahmad & Kutty, 2024). This environment may foster a mindset of “learned helplessness,” where individuals feel they cannot escape abusive situations, which could even, potentially, lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair on the part of the victim (Farooq et al., 2024).
In many instances, gaslighting can be difficult to spot as a result of how subtle the manipulation may be. These are some of the most common signs that might help in identifying whether or not gaslighting is occurring:
Constant Self-Doubt: You often feel unsure of your memory or your version of events, and you may start to wonder if you're ‘losing it.’
Apologizing Too Much: You find yourself saying ‘sorry’ a lot, even when you haven’t done anything wrong.
Questioning Reality: The other person involved often denies events that happened or changes details, causing you to feel like you aren’t able to trust your own memory.
Feeling Isolated: Gaslighters may encourage you to pull away from friends or family, causing you to feel more dependent on them for support.
High Anxiety or Stress: You feel more stressed, anxious, or emotionally unstable than before, as if you’re always ‘walking on eggshells.’
While the signs may be subtle, gaslighting has the potential to be a severe and highly damaging form of emotional abuse. With effects that can significantly diminish a victim’s mental health and autonomy–often with long-lasting effects– recognizing the signs of gaslighting is a crucial first step for victims, allowing them to begin making progress toward breaking free from this manipulation. By understanding the various aspects of gaslighting and the harmful, long-term consequences which they may have, individuals can better protect themselves from the manipulation and, ultimately, seek out the mental health resources or professionals which may assist them in restoring their sense of reality and overall well-being.
References
Ahmad, M., & Kutty, F. M. (2024). Gaslighting, Parenting Styles, and the Mental Health of
Secondary School Students. Special Education, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.59055/se.v2i1.26
Maryam Farooq, Umm E Rubab Kazmi, & Amina Muazzam. (2024). Efficacy of Assertive
Training for Gaslighting and Mental Health in University Students. Kurdish Studies, 12(2), 5629–5643. Retrieved from https://kurdishstudies.net/menu-script/index.php/KS/article/view/2721
Khan, K., Tariq, N. U., & Majeed, S. (2024). Psychological Impact of Medical Gaslighting on
Women: A Systematic Review. Journal of Professional & Applied Psychology, 5(1), 110-125. https://doi.org/10.52053/jpap.v5i1.249
Sweet, P. L. (2019). The Sociology of Gaslighting. American Sociological Review, 84(5),
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