WHAT IS GASLIGHTING?

DEFINITION

Gaslighting is a term that best describes the act or process by which an individual (gas lighter) manipulates ,undermines and influences someone ,or group of people(gaslighted) into doubting their convictions, perceptions, notions ,judgements and belief. This phenomenon is usually orchestrated to the advantage of the gaslighter ,who makes the gaslighted come to believe that the gaslighter is right and has a better and superior opinion about a specific subject matter or array of topics . the gaslighter is chiefly concerned with gaining ‘’power and control ‘’ over his victim the gaslighted . However, it is imperative to state that gaslighting is largely possible when the power dynamics is unevenly matched i.e between a star and his fans , a father/mother and their children , a clergy and her audience , a teacher and her students ,and in some cases between married couples where one of the couples has the upper hand emotionally in the relationship , gaslighting seemingly works better with an individual who wields some form of emotional, psychological and psychic power over the gaslighted which can be anyone and everyone .

Gaslighting is an acquired trait , Gaslighters are individuals who have learned to manipulate people after years of watching how it gives power and control to individuals who practice this ‘’dark act’’.

Gaslighting is a tool used by individuals who loathe criticisms which can come from friends , family ,colleagues , onlookers and the public . from the viewpoint of social psychology ,gaslighting may be considered as a form of mental and emotional abuse which gives the gaslighter, power and control over the gaslighted. That said , it is also imperative to note that gaslighting is not always used in the negative , counsellors , parents and academicians also use this phenomenon to instill positive beliefs and ideologies and core societal in individuals they have influence over .

The negative effects of gaslighting in most cases leads to the following in individuals who have suffered gaslighting from individuals once loved ,revered and idolized by them;

- Depression

- Low self – esteem

- Anxiety disorders

ORIGIN OF THE TERM ‘’GASLIGHTING ‘’



The term gaslighting was first used in Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play titled ‘gas light ’ which was later adapted to an American psychological thriller film also titled ‘’Gas light’’ which was directed by George Cukor and starred Charles Boyer ,Ingrid Bergman ,Joseph Cotton ,and Angela Lansbury . The plot of the movie was centered around a woman (Paula) who was tricked by her husband Gregory played by Charles Boyer into believing that she was mentally unstable ,in order, for him to steal and pilfer her most prized possessions and money. Gregory would make her believe she was hallucinating and over reacting whenever she told him about her suspicions that there was a thief present in their house ,which in fact was her husband ,who also added as her aunt’s murderer. Unbeknownst to her . Gregory murdered Paula’s Aunt and due to his inability to cart away with her valuables chose to seduce her niece who she willed her riches to for sole purpose of possessing all of the exquisite jewelries and precious stones. This movie properly exemplifies the true concept of gaslighting , which entails making a person doubt his or her perceptions and judgements whilst manipulating them into bowing to your bidding . Another Hollywood movie which is based on the concept of gaslighting is a 1952 film titled Pat and Mike .

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CHARACTERISTICS/MAJOR THEMES OF GASLIGHTING ; To continue reading ,kindly visit www.mimioisadebamenblogspot.com