Gaslighting: An Insidious Form Of Abuse

Recently, I came across the term “gaslighting” which reminded me of stories that I had heard from women friends and relatives when I was younger. It is something that most often occurs in primary relationships, but there are also other relationships/situations where this form of abuse may occur (learn more here).

Gaslighting is: psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator. 

The term originated from a 1938 play that was later turned into two films both called Gaslight. The more popular film was the 1944 version (watch scenes from that movie below). There are many films and TV shows that demonstrate this insidious form of abuse (see more here).

Here are some scenes from movies that demonstrate ‘gaslighting’:

It is best to leave these people when you realize what they are doing to you. In my opinion, they are evil people: they lack empathy, or a conscience (i.e. narcissists, sociopaths/psychopaths). There is no medicine, or mode of therapy that will reform them.

Helen