Psychologist Explained: What is Gaslighting

Gaslighting is “a more subtle form of abuse. The gaslighter brings his victim to an unstable psycho-emotional state in more sophisticated and hidden ways.

What is gaslighting in simple terms

Gaslighting is a type of psychological abuse in which the manipulator categorically denies what happened and tries to make the victim doubt their own memories by changing their perception of reality. With its help, one person controls another, tries to confuse him, distorting information.

A prime example of gaslighting is when a partner does something offensive and then denies it happened.

How does a victim of gaslighting feel

The victim will doubt everything: in his adequacy, in the decision already made, in the feeling whether she is a good person (mother, wife, employee), whether she is doing the right thing.

Secondly, the feeling that the partner’s opinion is the only true one becomes an alarming signal.

How to respond to gaslighting

Try not to show your confusion and fear. Stick to your point of view in a conversation, try to convey it in a firm, confident voice. In the tandem "victim - aggressor" one always feeds on internal doubts, low self-esteem, guilt and mistrust of the second.

• Related news:
• relationship
• safety
• mental health
• facts
• 31 July 2023

---