What is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person seeks to make another person doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. The term originates from the 1938 play ‘Gas Light’ and its 1944 film adaptation, in which a husband attempts to convince his wife that she is imagining things by making the gas lights dim without her noticing.
Examples of Gaslighting
- Telling someone they are overreacting when they express their feelings.
- Denying that certain events occurred or that the gaslighter said specific things.
- Blaming the victim for the gaslighter’s behavior or actions.
Case Studies on Gaslighting
One famous case of gaslighting is that of serial killer Ted Bundy, who would manipulate and deceive his victims in order to gain their trust before ultimately harming them. Another example is in abusive relationships, where one partner may consistently gaslight the other to maintain control and power over them.
Statistics on Gaslighting
According to a study by the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 99% of survivors reported experiencing gaslighting at some point during their abusive relationship. Gaslighting can have serious long-term effects on a person’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.
