When someone engages in gaslighting, they manipulate another person’s perception of reality in order to make them doubt their own experiences, memory, and senses. Gaslighting tactics can include:
- Denying something happened: The abuser may deny that an event occurred or that they said something, even though the victim remembers it happening.
- Minimizing the victim’s experiences: The abuser may tell the victim that their feelings or experiences are not valid or are overreacting.
- Using confusion: The abuser may use tactics to confuse the victim, such as mixing up details or telling contradicting stories, making the victim question their own memory and perceptions.
- Blaming the victim: The abuser may turn the blame on the victim, making them feel responsible for the situation or for the abuser’s behavior.
- Isolating the victim: The abuser may isolate the victim from friends, family, or other sources of support in order to make them more vulnerable to gaslighting.
By manipulating another person’s perception of reality, the abuser gains power and control over the victim. This can have serious consequences for the victim’s mental health and well-being, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s important to seek help if you suspect you’re experiencing gaslighting or any other form of emotional abuse.
© Linda C J Turner
[…] Blame-shifting: Coercive individuals often shift the blame for their own actions or the consequences onto the target individual. They may make the person believe that they are solely responsible for any negative outcomes, fostering guilt and self-doubt. This manipulation can lead the individual to question their own judgment and accept the coercive person’s influence more readily. […]
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