The Naked Truth | Gaslighting: why it is dangerous in a relationship, a definition, and how to spot a gaslighter
A curious word derived from a 1930s drama, gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation whose victims often don’t understand what’s happening to them
“Gaslighting” may get more attention these days because of US President Donald Trump, but if you’ve not been a target of this type of behaviour, you probably don’t know what it means.
This curious word derives from a 1938 British play, Gas Light, in which a husband attempts to psychologically manipulate his wife by changing insignificant elements in their home, such as dimming the gaslights, while repeatedly dismissing her suspicions about the changes – to the point where she begins to doubt herself.
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By destroying her perception of reality, he hopes to convince his victim and people around her that she is delusional, or worse, insane.
Nowadays, gaslighting is commonly described as a form of domestic abuse, although it is also prevalent outside romantic or spousal relationships. “Gaslighters” can be anyone – a colleague, a boss, a professional scammer, a cult leader, or anyone in a position of power – who wants to influence or control their target.
The word has become a trending search term on Google in the United States, where critics of Trump warn the American public is being collectively gaslighted by their president, who exaggerates and tells untruths on a daily basis.