Gaslighting ve Psikolojik Yaklaşım

Gaslighting and Psychological Approach

Abstract

The concept of gaslighting is a type of abuse that aims to make the target person question their mental health, their own point of view, the accuracy and legitimacy of their feelings, to contradict and doubt. This concept, which has gained increasing popularity in recent years, has often been considered in the context of romantic relationships. However, a growing body of scientific studies are revealing the presence of gaslighting in any social environment (peer family member, parent), workplace (co-worker, manager) or in a medical field. Gaslighting can lead to confusion, loss of self-confidence, and uncertainty of the person's mental stability. Systematic and long-term manipulations cause the person to be hypervigilant, withdraw from personal and social areas, experience anxiety, grief and guilt. Gaslighting causes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can cause nightmares, insomnia, depression, suicidal thoughts, frequent outbursts of anger and anhedonia in the person. In this regard, it is very important to provide the necessary psychological support to individuals. In this review, it is aimed to explain gaslighting behavior and its effects, to evaluate the challenging complexities of gaslighting behaviors, and to bring together structural research in the literature.