Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person makes another doubt their own perception, memory, or sanity. It includes denying events that occurred, constantly minimizing the other's emotional reactions, or redefining reality until the victim no longer trusts themselves. The cumulative effect is devastating to self-esteem and reality orientation.
Concept origin
The term comes from the play "Gas Light" (Patrick Hamilton, 1938) and its film adaptation (1944). Robin Stern (2007) systematized the concept in "The Gaslight Effect." Clinical psychology recognizes it as a form of psychological abuse with specific identifiable patterns.
How it manifests
- ▸ Constantly doubting one's own memory or perception of events
- ▸ Compulsive apologies without clearly understanding why
- ▸ Chronic sense of confusion and loss of internal reference
Therapeutic approach
Recovery from gaslighting requires rebuilding trust in one's own perception: keeping written records of events, checking with trusted people, and psychoeducation about the abuse pattern. Trauma-informed therapy addresses damage to identity and the capacity for internal validation.
Related concepts
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