Gaslighting is characterised by deliberate, sustained manipulation intended to make victims question their reality.
Defining gaslighting in intimate partner violence: Insights from victim survivors and support service providers. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/law0000461
Darke, L., Paterson, H., Dhillon, H., & van Golde, C. (2025).
Why this matters:
Gaslighting—a form of psychological abuse where a person manipulates another into doubting their perceptions, memories, or sanity—is increasingly recognised in discussions of intimate partner violence (IPV).
However, the term is often used inconsistently, leading to confusion among clinicians, legal professionals, and survivors. This study seeks to provide a clearer, experience-based definition of gaslighting, enhancing our understanding and informing clinical practice.
What the study explored:
The researchers aimed to define gaslighting by gathering perspectives from those directly affected: victim-survivors and support service providers. They utilised an online open-ended survey to collect qualitative data on participants’ definitions and experiences of gaslighting.
Key findings:
Analysis revealed that gaslighting is characterised by deliberate, sustained manipulation intended to make victims question their reality. This includes tactics like denying events, trivialising emotions, and presenting false information. Both survivors and professionals emphasised that gaslighting is not merely about occasional lies but involves a pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling and disempowering the victim.
Participants highlighted the insidious nature of gaslighting:
• One survivor noted, “He would tell me things didn’t happen the way I remembered. Over time, I started to believe I was losing my mind.”
• A support provider shared, “Clients often come in utterly confused, questioning their own memories and feelings because their partner has systematically eroded their trust in themselves.”
Clinical implications:
For therapists, this research underscores the importance of recognising gaslighting as a distinct and harmful form of psychological abuse. Understanding its specific tactics can aid in identifying clients who may be experiencing such manipulation. Clinicians should create a validating environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences without fear of dismissal. Awareness of gaslighting’s nuances can enhance assessment, support, and intervention strategies, ultimately aiding in the recovery and empowerment of survivors.
Therapists should also be aware of the potential for gaslighting to impact the therapeutic relationship itself. Clients may project distrust or confusion onto the therapist, stemming from their experiences with manipulation. Maintaining consistency, transparency, and validation within the therapeutic alliance is crucial.
In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of gaslighting within IPV, offering a clearer framework for identification and intervention.
