Understanding Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group. This term originated from the 1938 play ‘Gas Light,’ where a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is going insane.
Signs of Gaslighting
- Constantly lying or denying things they have said or done
- Projecting their behaviors onto the victim
- Undermining the victim’s thoughts and feelings
- Using kindness or charm to manipulate
Examples of Gaslighting
An example of gaslighting could be a boss who constantly criticizes an employee’s work, makes them doubt their abilities, and then praises the same work in front of others to confuse the employee.
Impact of Gaslighting
Gaslighting can have severe consequences on the mental health of the victim, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also create a sense of powerlessness and isolation.
Case Study
In a study conducted by the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 77% of hotline callers reported experiencing some form of gaslighting from their abusers.
