Understanding Gaslighting: Origin of the Term

Spread the love

Ever felt like your reality was being questioned? It’s as if your own experiences were being challenged. This feeling is what gaslighting is all about. It’s a way of manipulating someone’s mind that can really hurt their emotional health1. So. why is it called gaslighting?

Studies reveal that nearly half of both men and women have faced psychological aggression in their relationships1. Exploring the roots and details of gaslighting is key. It helps us see how it works and its lasting effects on us.

Key Takeaways

  • Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that undermines the victim’s reality and sense of self.
  • The term “gaslighting” originates from the 1938 British play “Gas Light” and the subsequent 1944 American film adaptation.
  • Gaslighting tactics involve subtly denying facts, altering memories, and making the victim question their own perceptions and sanity.
  • Gaslighting is more prevalent in relationships where one or both partners exhibit maladaptive personality traits2.
  • Victims of gaslighting are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues like PTSD and depression1.

The Theatrical Origin of Gaslighting

The term “gaslighting” comes from the theater3. In 1938, “Gas Light” opened in London, then hit Broadway in 1944 as “Angel Street.”3 This thriller by Patrick Hamilton shows a husband’s tricks to make his wife doubt her sanity3. So why is it called gaslighting.

The 1944 Film “Gaslight”

The play was made into a 1944 film with Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer3. The husband changes the gas lamps, saying his wife is just imagining it3. He does this to make her think she’s losing her mind, so he can take her money3.

The Manipulative Husband’s Tactics

Now, “gaslighting” means more than just the play and film4. It includes tactics like love bombing and isolating the victim4. It also means denying reality, insulting, and controlling emotions4. These actions are used in relationships to make the victim doubt themselves4.

“Gaslighting has gained prominence in psychology and everyday language to describe a type of psychological manipulation targeting an individual’s perceptions or reality.”4

The lasting impact of “Gaslight” keeps the term alive4. It’s a powerful way to describe how abusers distort someone’s sense of self4.

What is Gaslighting?

Gaslighting is when someone tries to make another person doubt their own thoughts and feelings. This is done by telling false stories to confuse and control the other person5. The term comes from a 1944 movie called “Gaslight,” where a husband tries to make his wife think she’s losing her mind6. Why is it called gaslighting.

The Definition and Etymology

The term “gaslighting” started in the 1950s and is now known worldwide as a form of emotional abuse6. It’s a serious way to control someone in a relationship5. Women have often been told they’re crazy when they express their feelings, making it hard to believe them5.

Groups that are isolated or have high demands are more likely to experience gaslighting5. It can also happen in healthy relationships during fights5. It’s hard to spot early, especially for those who are more emotional5. Abusers use gaslighting to make victims doubt themselves, making it very effective5.

Forms of GaslightingDefinitions
CounteringQuestioning the victim’s memory of events
WithholdingRefusing to engage in a conversation or share information
TrivializingDismissing the victim’s concerns as unimportant
DenialOutright denial of the victim’s reality or experiences
DivertingChanging the subject or distracting from the victim’s concerns
StereotypingUsing negative stereotypes to manipulate the victim’s sense of self

The term “gaslighting” comes from a 1930s British play called “Gas Light,” later made into a film5. It also comes from the 1938 play and 1944 film “Gaslight.”6 Gaslighting can take many forms, like countering, withholding, and denial, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline6.

“Gaslighting is about emotional manipulation and can be challenging to detect early in a relationship, especially for those who have historically been emotional.”

Using negative stereotypes about gender, race, or age is also a form of gaslighting, as noted in a 2019 article6. A 2023 article talks about workplace gaslighting, where someone in power uses tactics like trivialization to control others6.

Gaslighting in Personal Relationships

Gaslighting is a common form of abuse in unhealthy relationships7. It can happen in any romantic relationship, from teenagers to adults7. Studies show it often uses stereotypes and inequalities to control the victim’s view of reality7.

Gaslighting makes the victim doubt their thoughts and feelings. It starts small and can grow into a false reality7. For example, the abuser might make the victim think their achievements and relationships don’t matter. The goal is to make the abuser seem more important7.

Also Read:  Stop Gaslighting Yourself: Break Free from Self-Doubt

The Power Dynamic of Gaslighting

Gaslighting can happen in any ongoing relationship to gain power8. It can be between friends, colleagues, or even a parent and child8. Survivors might be told things like “You’re overreacting” or “It’s all in your head!”8.

Gaslighting includes behaviors like trivializing, lying, and changing reality8. This can make survivors feel confused and lose confidence8. It can also harm their mental health by making them doubt their sanity7.

Getting over gaslighting is hard because of lost trust and confusion7. Victims might feel they owe the abuser or fear losing credibility7.

Signs of gaslighting include telling lies, denying evidence, and making the victim doubt themselves7. Getting help and affirming positivity can help heal7.

gaslighting in relationships

“Gaslighting is a tactic in which a person or entity, in order to gain more power, makes a victim question their reality by denying facts, the environment around them, or their feelings.”

Gaslighting can lead to anxiety, depression, and loss of self-worth8. It can also isolate survivors from friends and family8. Children in such situations may struggle in school and with relationships8.

To fight gaslighting, share concerns, find safe spaces, document incidents, and seek support8. Having a safety plan is also crucial8.

Gaslighting often comes from a need for control or dominance9. People who gaslight might not realize they’re manipulating others9.

Merriam-Webster named “gaslighting” its 2022 word of the year9. It became very popular in 20189. The term comes from a 1938 play and 1944 movie9.

Gaslighting is not just in romantic relationships but also in other power imbalances9. It can deeply affect emotional and psychological well-being9. It involves denying the victim’s reality to control them978.

Why is it called gaslighting

The term “gaslighting” comes from the 1944 film “Gaslight.” This film was based on a 1938 play of the same name. In the movie, a husband tricks his wife, Paula, into doubting her own reality. He does this by changing the gaslight in their home, telling her she’s just imagining it10.

This method of using gaslight to make someone doubt their reality is what “gaslighting” means today. It’s seen as a way to emotionally manipulate and abuse others10.

Gaslighting is a powerful form of emotional abuse. It makes the victim doubt their feelings, instincts, and sanity10. Over time, it can make them feel confused, anxious, isolated, and depressed10.

The term “gaslighting” now covers many types of manipulation. It’s used in personal relationships, work, and even in public discussions11.

gaslighting

Signs of gaslighting include doubting oneself, feeling confused about a relationship, and making excuses for someone’s bad behavior11. Victims might find themselves in arguments they didn’t want or feel unheard11.

The 1944 film “Gaslight” helped make the term “gaslighting” well-known. It’s now used to describe a form of psychological manipulation and emotional abuse10.

Gaslighting in Clinical Psychology

The term “gaslighting” is not officially recognized by the American Psychological Association. Yet, it has been used in clinical studies since the 1970s to describe a “conscious intent to brainwash.”12 Studies show gaslighting is used to force someone into a psychiatric hospital. This is often done to get rid of a relative or gain financially12. Therapists might unintentionally contribute to gaslighting by mislabeling a patient’s reactions, which can distress the victim further12.

Case Studies and Research

Narcissistic individuals often use gaslighting to avoid blame. They deny events, invalidate concerns, and shift blame to the victim12. This behavior can cause emotional trauma, making victims more sensitive to threats and less resistant to stress12. Children who experience trauma and abuse may develop anxiety, depression, or psychosis12.

Gaslighting can make victims feel unworthy and unable to trust their judgments12. It can make them feel isolated and dependent on the abuser, making the abuse seem normal12. In 2022, Merriam-Webster named “gaslighting” the word of the year due to a 1,740% increase in searches13. The term comes from a 1944 film and a 1938 play, where a husband manipulates his wife13.

Experts say “gaslighting” is often misused, leading to many misconceptions13. It involves a gradual destabilization of one person by another, affecting their emotional stability and memory13. Gaslighters isolate their targets and ignore their faults to avoid responsibility13. This can severely damage a person’s self-respect and ability to form healthy relationships13.

gaslighting in clinical psychology

The Motivations Behind Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a complex and insidious form of psychological manipulation. It’s important to understand why it happens. The main reason is the perpetrator’s need to control and dominate their victim14.

They do this to avoid blame and shape the victim’s view of reality. This way, they gain power and control.

Research shows gaslighting is driven by two main reasons: avoiding blame and controlling the victim14. Gaslighters use these tactics to avoid conflict and feel in charge. They make the victim doubt their own memories and judgments.

Also Read:  Covert Narcissist and Cheating: Signs to Watch For

This makes the victim dependent on the gaslighter. It’s a way to deflect blame and manipulate the victim.

Gaslighting relationships often start with “love bombing,” where the perpetrator shows too much attention and affection at first14. Then, they slowly chip away at the victim’s self-esteem. The victim becomes more guarded and starts to distrust others14.

The effects of gaslighting can be very damaging. Victims often struggle to regain their self-worth and confidence.

But, it’s possible to recover from gaslighting. Experts say to end the abusive relationship and focus on self-awareness14. Getting feedback from trusted people can also help victims regain their perspective and start healing14.

Gaslighting is becoming more common, with the term being named the 2022 Word of the Year by Merriam-Webster15. Studies show 74% of female victims of domestic violence also experienced gaslighting from their partner or ex-partner15. It’s key to understand the motivations behind this behavior to address it.

gaslighting

Gaslighting as a Learned Behavior

Gaslighting is a way to manipulate others that people often learn16. Those who use gaslighting might have seen it before and found it works well16. It’s more common in relationships where one or both people have mental health issues like depression or anxiety17.

People with these conditions are better at making others doubt their own memories17.

The term “gaslighting” comes from a 1938 play and was made famous by movies in 1940 and 194416. Dr. Robin Stern helped make it well-known with her 2007 book “The Gaslight Effect.”16

Gaslighting happens in many places, like at home, work, or even in doctor’s offices17. The person doing it might say things that aren’t true or call the victim names16. This can make the victim feel bad about themselves and unsure of their own thoughts16.

It’s hard to spot gaslighting because people trust the person doing it17. In love relationships, it’s a way to control and hurt the other person17.

gaslighting

Seeing gaslighting as something learned helps us fight it16. By understanding why people gaslight, we can stop it and help those affected16.

Overcoming Gaslighting

Getting out of a gaslighting situation is tough, but there are two main ways to do it. For the gaslighter, it’s important to work on emotional awareness and self-control18. Gaslighting is a harmful tactic that makes the victim doubt their own thoughts and feelings18. Gaslighters often use tricks like making the victim feel isolated or calling them crazy18.

Victims need to learn to trust their own perceptions and build confidence19. Gaslighting is a sneaky way of controlling someone by making them question their sanity19. Keeping a record of events can help spot the gaslighter’s tricks19.

Developing Emotional Awareness

Spotting gaslighting and getting support from trusted people are key to healing19. It’s important to recognize when someone is trying to control the conversation19. Knowing what triggers both the gaslighter and the victim can help avoid getting caught in the cycle19.

Building Self-Reliance and Confidence

It’s helpful to focus on how you feel rather than trying to prove a point19. Remember, you can’t control someone else’s thoughts19. Getting help from therapists or support groups can make a big difference in recovery19.

By becoming more emotionally aware and confident, you can fight against gaslighting19. Learning about narcissistic personality disorder can also help understand gaslighting better and find ways to stop it.

“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” – Gloria Steinem

The Broader Use of the Term

The term “gaslighting” is now used in many ways, beyond its original meaning of psychological manipulation20. This has made experts worry that it’s harder to spot real gaslighting21.

Originally, gaslighting was about controlling someone’s reality20. Now, it’s used in many conflicts, not always about changing someone’s view of reality21. Experts say not every pushy behavior is gaslighting. This could downplay the harm of emotional abuse21.

  • The term “gaslighting” was a top contender for the Oxford English Dictionary’s 2018 word of the year20.
  • It’s been talked about in big events like The Bachelor Australia and Monica Lewinsky’s story20.
  • The word comes from the 1944 film Gaslight, based on a 1938 play20.

Using “gaslighting” in more situations has sparked debates21. It’s important to know when it’s really used to control someone21. As it becomes more common, we must understand its true meaning and the harm it causes21.

StatisticValue
Lookups for the term “gaslighting” on Merriam-Webster’s websiteIncreased by 1,740% in 2022 compared to the previous year22.
Merriam-Webster’s top definition of gaslightingInvolves psychological manipulation over an extended period causing victims to question their own thoughts, reality, and memories22.
Merriam-Webster’s monthly pageviews100 million22.
“Gaslighting” spent all of 2022In the top 50 most looked-up words on Merriam-Webster’s website22.

“The misuse of the term ‘Gaslighting’ can lead to accusations being seen as manipulative and can hinder genuine communication.”21

Conclusion

It’s vital to understand where gaslighting comes from and what it really means. Gaslighting is a serious and harmful way to control someone’s mind. It can really hurt a person’s mental health and how they see the world23.

Also Read:  Spot the 10 Signs of Gaslighting at Work

By looking at its history and how it’s used in psychology, we can spot gaslighting better. This helps us see who’s in control and helps victims fight back24.

Spreading the word and teaching people to be emotionally smart are important steps. This helps fight gaslighting in all areas of life2425. Knowing the signs, like denying facts or making someone feel alone, helps us support victims23.

Also, knowing why people gaslight, like for power or because of certain mental health issues, helps us stop it2425.

By covering the main points about gaslighting, we can help people take back their reality. This builds their strength to fight against abuse23. Understanding gaslighting is key to stopping it from hurting more people in our lives and communities25.

FAQ

What is the origin of the term “gaslighting”?

The term “gaslighting” comes from the 1938 play “Gas Light” and the 1944 film. The story is about a husband who tricks his wife into thinking she’s losing her mind. He does this by secretly changing the lights in their home.

How was gaslighting portrayed in the 1944 film “Gaslight”?

The 1944 film “Gaslight” starred Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. It’s based on the 1938 play. The husband in the film tries to make his wife, Paula, doubt her own sanity. He does this by secretly changing the lights and telling her she’s imagining things.

What is the definition of gaslighting?

Gaslighting is when someone tries to make another person doubt their own reality. This is based on the 1944 film “Gaslight.” In it, a husband uses tricks to make his wife think she’s going crazy.

How does gaslighting occur in personal relationships?

Gaslighting often happens in relationships where one person has more power. The person with more power denies the other’s reality. This makes the victim doubt their own thoughts and memories.

Why is it called “gaslighting”?

It’s called “gaslighting” because of the 1944 film “Gaslight.” In the film, a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her own sanity. He does this by secretly changing the lights in their home.

How has gaslighting been studied in clinical psychology?

Researchers have looked at gaslighting in clinical psychology. They’ve found that it can be used to commit someone to a psychiatric hospital. They’ve also noted that therapists can unintentionally contribute to gaslighting.

What are the motivations behind gaslighting?

Gaslighting is often used to control and manipulate others. It helps the gaslighter avoid conflicts and feel in control. By making the victim doubt their own reality, the gaslighter can manipulate them.

Is gaslighting a learned behavior?

Yes, gaslighting is a learned behavior. People who gaslight often see it as a way to control others. Studies show it’s more common in couples with certain personality traits or mental health issues.

How can someone overcome the effects of gaslighting?

Getting out of a gaslighting situation is hard, but possible. For the gaslighter, learning to control their emotions is key. For the victim, learning to trust themselves and build confidence is crucial.

Is the term “gaslighting” being used too broadly?

Yes, the term “gaslighting” is now used too widely. It’s used to describe many conflicts, not just the specific manipulation it originally meant. This has made it harder to identify true gaslighting.

Source Links

  1. https://www.twochairs.com/blog/what-is-gaslighting-and-where-did-it-come-from – Understanding Gaslighting: Origins, Impact, and Overcoming It | Two Chairs Blog
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslighting – Gaslighting
  3. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/theater/how-a-play-inspired-the-term-gaslighting/ – How a play inspired the term ‘gaslighting’
  4. https://www.simplypsychology.org/origin-of-the-term-gaslighting.html – Origin Of The Term Gaslighting
  5. https://woventraumatherapy.com/blog/history-of-gaslighting – Where does gaslighting come from? | Trauma Recovery
  6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gaslighting – What is gaslighting? Examples and how to respond
  7. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-gaslighting-in-relationships – What Is Gaslighting in Relationships?
  8. https://gbvlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/backgrounders/gaslighting_in_intimate_relationships/index.html – Gaslighting in Intimate Relationships: A Form of Coercive Control That You Need to Know More About
  9. https://www.vox.com/first-person/2018/12/19/18140830/gaslighting-relationships-politics-explained – “I’ve counseled hundreds of victims of gaslighting. Here’s how to spot if you’re being gaslighted.”
  10. https://www.thehotline.org/resources/what-is-gaslighting/ – What is Gaslighting?
  11. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-gaslighting-how-do-you-know-if-it-s-happening-ncna890866 – What is gaslighting?
  12. https://www.annabellepsychology.com/reflections-from-therapy/gaslighting – Gaslighting: Definition, Effects, and Coping Skills – Annabelle Psychology | Singapore’s Leading Psychologists
  13. https://www.wdsu.com/article/gaslighting-is-a-commonly-misused-therapy-buzzword/44764594 – ‘Gaslighting’ is a commonly misused therapy buzzword. Here’s what it really means
  14. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/some-assembly-required/202308/what-exactly-is-gaslighting-and-why-do-people-do-it – What Exactly Is Gaslighting, and Why Do People Do It?
  15. https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/what_is_gaslighting_abuse/ – Identifying Gaslighting: Signs, Examples, and Seeking Help
  16. https://www.healthline.com/health/gaslighting – Gaslighting: Signs and Tips to Manage
  17. https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/gaslighting – Gaslighting – The Decision Lab
  18. https://positivepsychology.com/gaslighting-emotional-abuse/ – What is Gaslighting? 20 Techniques to Stop Emotional Abuse
  19. https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/domestic-abuse/gaslighting – Gaslighting: What is It and How to Stop It
  20. https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-gaslighting-mean-107888 – Explainer: what does ‘gaslighting’ mean?
  21. https://centerforhealingkc.com/blog/what-really-gaslighting – What Really is Gaslighting? | Center for Healing, LLC
  22. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/gaslighting-is-merriam-websters-2022-word-of-the-year – ‘Gaslighting’ is Merriam-Webster’s 2022 word of the year
  23. https://www.thefischerinstitute.com/2023/11/the-origin-of-the-term-gaslighting-and-twelve-typical-manifestations/ – The Origin of the Term ‘Gaslighting’ and Twelve Typical Manifestations – The Fischer Institute
  24. https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/mental-health/what-is-gaslighting – How to Spot Gaslighting In Your Relationships
  25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10097938/ – Workplace gaslighting: Conceptualization, development, and validation of a scale

Free Newsletter

Subscibe My newsletter to get guidelines and blog posts directly in your mailbox daily.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Leave a Comment