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Gaslighting

Gaslighting

By Kumara SwamyPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person or a group makes someone question their own sanity, memory, or perception. The term originates from the 1938 play "Gas Light" in which a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she is losing her mind by dimming the gas lights in their home and denying it when she points it out.

Gaslighters use tactics such as denying that events happened, making someone doubt their own recollection of events, shifting blame, and manipulating physical evidence. The goal is to create confusion and make the victim question their own perception of reality. This can be done by denying what has happened, playing down the significance of events, and projecting their own negative behavior onto the victim.

Gaslighting can occur in any type of relationship, including romantic relationships, friendships, family relationships, and even in the workplace. It is often a tactic used by abusive partners, who may use it to control and manipulate their partners. However, it can also be used by people in positions of power, such as bosses or supervisors, to control and manipulate employees.

The effects of gaslighting can be devastating. The victim may start to question their own memory, perception, and even sanity. They may become isolated and lose their self-confidence, leading to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. In severe cases, gaslighting can result in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is important to recognize the signs of gaslighting, as it can be difficult to identify in the early stages. Some common signs include:

  • Constantly questioning your own memories and perception of events
  • Feeling like you are "going crazy"
  • Feeling isolated and alone
  • Losing your sense of self-confidence and self-worth
  • Being made to feel guilty for things that are not your fault
  • Being manipulated into thinking your opinions and feelings are wrong

If you suspect that you or someone you know is being gaslighted, it is important to seek help. This may involve talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. It is also important to document incidents of gaslighting, as this can help provide evidence if needed.

In conclusion, gaslighting is a dangerous form of psychological manipulation that can have serious effects on a person's mental health and well-being. If you suspect that you are being gaslighted, it is important to seek help and support to regain control of your own perception of reality.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group, making them question their own memory, perception, or sanity. The term "gaslighting" comes from the 1938 play "Gas Light" in which a husband dims the gas lights in the home while insisting to his wife that they are brightening. Over time, the wife begins to question her own recollection of events and eventually doubts her own sanity.

Gaslighting can take many forms, including denying that a certain event took place, manipulating physical evidence, or providing false information. It is a dangerous form of emotional abuse because it undermines the victim's trust in their own perceptions and memories, leading them to doubt their own sanity.

Victims of gaslighting often feel confused, anxious, and stressed. They may also experience symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. They may withdraw from friends and family, or become isolated and lonely.

Gaslighting can occur in personal relationships, in the workplace, or in larger social or political contexts. It is often used by individuals with narcissistic or sociopathic tendencies to gain power and control over others.

In personal relationships, gaslighting can be used by a partner to manipulate the other into accepting their point of view or to justify their own abusive behavior. It can also be used to control the narrative of the relationship and make the victim question their own experiences and memories.

ScienceNature
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Kumara Swamy

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