Gaslighting is a type of emotional abuse where the gaslighter manipulates the gaslightee emotionally in order for the gaslightee to doubt their own judgement, perceptions and view of the world. Gaslighting can happen in all types of relationships i.e. between siblings, parent – child relationships, lovers, workers etc. For the purpose of this article we will discuss gas lighting from an intimate relationship perspective.
The term ‘gaslight’ became popular after the movie ‘Gaslight’. In the said movie, the husband being the gaslighter sought to emotionally manipulate his wife who was his gaslightee in an effort to convince her that she was mentally unstable. This classic 1944 film is the story of Paula, a young, vulnerable singer married to a man called Gregory. Unbeknownst to Paula, her darling husband was restlessly trying to drive her insane in order to take over her inheritance. He endlessly told her she was ill and fragile, rearranged household items and then accused her of doing so, and most deviously of all, manipulated the gas so that she saw the lights dim for no apparent reason.
