The elements of gaslighting can be helpful to recognize if you suspect that this is occurring in your life. Below, are some important aspects to be aware of to prevent further psychological trauma and obtain the help you deserve.

Gaslighting is an abuse tactic that results in the sufferer questioning their own reality. It can happen in medical settings, romantic relationships, and even in the workplace. The concept of gaslighting has entered the public domain through “therapy speak” in social media and has become popularized by influencers who take on the role to inform the general public of mental health concepts.

“Gaslighting” originates in a 1930’s stage play turned motion picture where a husband mentally manipulates his wife into questioning her sanity by changing the brightness of the gas lamps in their home.

Gaslighting is known as an aspect of psychological abuse that causes someone to question their perception of reality. This concept should not be confused with poor interpersonal communication or dysfunction between two individuals with clashing personalities. It is known as a manipulation tactic where a person attempts to gain control over another by making them doubt themselves and their sanity. A false sense of reality is created in the process, and the sufferer may even start to question their own intuition.

GASLIGHTING IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Oftentimes a romantic partner will socially isolate the person they want to control using emotion to manipulate and deconstruct their character, efforts, or truths. They sometimes even accuse YOU of gaslighting. The perpetrator may minimize the sufferer’s feelings, emotions, or reactions, and blame, shame, and projection are often tactics as well.

MEDICAL GASLIGHTING

Medical gaslighting describes the dismissal and invalidation of an experience by a medical practitioner where health concerns are often attributed to psychological causes. Anxiety over medical procedures is often diminished, and a patient will often feel uncared for, unheard, and unsafe. Common phrases include, “It’s not that bad.” “It’s probably just…” “You will be fine.” “You are working yourself up.”

PROFESSIONAL GASLIGHTING

Gaslighting in the workplace can have a number of negative mental health consequences including burnout and reduced self-worth. This can occur within a toxic workplace environment housed by poor and unprofessional leadership. Common occurrences include:

1. Persistent negative accounts of issues with your performance and efforts.

2. Exclusion from resources that are required for you to do your job.

3. Questioning your own perception of workplace reality.

4. The person who is gaslighting, belittles efforts, emotions, or perceptions, and publicly displays your mistakes or makes a spectacle out of your negative qualities.

OVERCOMING:

• Calmly and assertively indicate that this behaviour will not be accepted.
• Create space from the situation.
• Collect evidence.
• Use the evidence to remain confident in your version of events.
• Focus on self-care.
• Consult a trusted person.
• Seek professional support.

By: Stef Wood M.A. R.P. (Qualifying)

If you or someone you know is experiencing suspected gaslighting click HERE to find support near you.

If you are in an immediate psychological crisis, please present yourself to your local emergency department.

For assistance with inter-partner violence/ abuse please visit:

https://findahelpline.com/ca/on/topics/abuse-domestic-violence

References:

Johnson, V. E., Nadal, K. L., Sissoko, D. G., & King, R. (2021). “It’s not in your head”: Gaslighting,‘splaining, victim blaming, and other harmful reactions to microaggressions. Perspectives on psychological science, 16(5), 1024-1036.

Sebring, J. C. (2021). Towards a sociological understanding of medical gaslighting in western health care. Sociology of Health & Illness, 43(9), 1951-1964.

Kukreja, P., & Pandey, J. (2023). Workplace gaslighting: Conceptualization, development, and validation of a scale. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1099485.