Who knew that a 1938 play would shock the world into introspecting one of the most covert forms of mental abuse and manipulation? Eventually the name of the play became the term for a sort of psychological and emotional abuse that has seen a lot of attention in recent times, thanks to a number of social factors. You already know what we’re talking about and have likely recognised the signs somewhere in your experiences.
Gaslighting is a disturbingly common form of psychological manipulation in which a person or group covertly seeks to sow seeds of doubt in another individual. This doubt can cause the individual to question their perception, experience, memory and in some severe cases even their sanity.
The person who endures this highly damaging form of emotional abuse from the gaslighter can experience long-lasting effects. It can undermine their sense of reality, erode their self-esteem, and make them doubt their own thoughts and feelings. The gaslighter will often use various tactics to achieve this, such as denying their actions or feelings, questioning their perception of events, and making them feel guilty or ashamed for their reactions.
Effects of Gaslighting
Some of the common effects of gaslighting that can be long-lasting are:
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety and depression
- Confusion and self-doubt
- Isolation and withdrawal
- Trust issues
The constant manipulation that can cause emotional turmoil could lead to chronic stress and a sense of helplessness. After being repeatedly manipulated and deceived, individuals who have experienced gaslighting may struggle to trust their own judgement and instincts while also finding it challenging to trust others, fearing a repeat of similar manipulation and emotional abuse.
Gaslighting often isolates the victim from friends, family, and support networks. The gaslighter may undermine relationships, spread false information, or portray the victim as mentally unstable, making it harder for them to seek help or support.
Signs to look for
Recognizing signs of gaslighting can be crucial in identifying and addressing the issue.
Here are some common signs and patterns to watch out for:
- Denial and contradiction: A gaslighter will deny or contradict their own behaviour, despite evidence proving otherwise. They will flatly deny things they previously said or did, and try to cause confusion in the victim.
- Blaming and deflection: Gaslighters often shift blame onto the victim, making them feel guilty or responsible for the gaslighter’s actions. Statements like “You’re overreacting” or “It’s your fault” are commonly used to deflect attention from their behaviour.
- Discrediting and belittling: Gaslighters frequently undermine the victim’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences. They will do everything in their power to dismiss their victims’ emotions as irrational or unwarranted. They will trivialise concerns, mock their reactions or belittle emotions.
- Withholding information: Gaslighters often withhold important information, selectively sharing or manipulating facts to control the victim’s perception of reality. They like the power of information to be in their favour and have control over what the victim knows and doesn’t know.
Why Gaslighting has become a topic of importance
Gaslighting has become a subject of discussion in recent times due to several factors that have contributed to increased awareness and recognition of this form of abusive control. Despite being a tactic that has been used for years, the reasons it is now gaining prominence is a perfect storm of sorts that has proven to be educational in the understanding of emotional manipulation.
Greater focus on mental health
There has been a growing societal focus on mental health and well-being, with increased discussions around emotional abuse and psychological manipulation. This increased awareness has shed light on gaslighting as a particularly damaging form of emotional abuse, leading to more attention being paid to its effects and prevalence.
Rise of social media and online platforms
Social media and online platforms have provided a space and an outlet for individuals to share their experiences, connect with others and even reach out for help. People are no longer reluctant to discuss their encounters with gaslighting and seek support and validation from online communities. This has helped in breaking the silence around gaslighting and creating a platform for dialogue.
#MeToo movement and gender dynamics
The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, brought attention to power dynamics, sexual harassment, and abuse. Gaslighting is often a common tactic used in abusive relationships, and its connection to control is now more apparent through these discussions.
Increased focus on emotional intelligence
We as a society have started placing a lot of importance on emotional wellbeing and emotional intelligence. Paying close attention to the impact of emotional abuse has allowed us to become sensitive and alert to abuse within our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones, friends and even co-workers. Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and understanding emotions, both in oneself and others. This increased awareness has led to a deeper understanding of the damaging effects of gaslighting and its role in undermining emotional well-being.
Pop culture and media representation
Gaslighting has been explored in various forms of media. These portrayals have helped bring the concept of gaslighting into mainstream consciousness and generate conversations about its impact on individuals.
Some movies on gaslighting are:
Sleeping with the enemy
The girl on the train
The ones below
Fear
Flightplan
The invisible man (2020)
Unsane
Gaslight
Overall, the increased interest in gaslighting can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the focus on mental health, the rise of social media, the #MeToo movement, a greater emphasis on emotional intelligence, and media representation. These factors have contributed to a broader understanding of gaslighting as a harmful form of emotional abuse, prompting discussions and efforts to address and prevent it.
