Understanding the Phenomenon of Gaslighting

In our modern era, the topic of gaslighting has become prevalent in public discussions, particularly concerning psychological manipulation. However, it has not been thoroughly investigated from a scientific perspective. A team of researchers from McGill University and the University of Toronto, led by Wells Klein, has developed a new theoretical model to understand how manipulators can make their targets doubt their sense of reality over time.

Gaslighting as a Learning Process

Wells Klein, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology, suggests that gaslighting can be viewed as a learning process, utilizing the concept of reducing prediction error. This concept explains how the mind maps the inputs it receives from the world, seeking to predict the future, adjust expectations, and respond to the environment based on this information. Until now, gaslighting has mostly been examined through a psychoanalytic lens, but this analytical framework is no longer widely used in scientific psychology in North America.

Klein notes that manipulators act in unconventional and somewhat surprising ways, exploiting this surprise to guide the learning of their targets. Additionally, manipulators suggest that the reason for the surprise is related to the victim’s fundamental understanding of reality, causing them to experience what Klein calls “cognitive incompetence.”

The Role of Trust and Close Relationships

The model also relies on the idea that we depend on others, especially those close to us, to shape our sense of self and reality. This, along with viewing gaslighting as a learning process, means that anyone can fall victim to gaslighting, according to Klein. He adds that in their model, there is nothing specific about the target of gaslighting that makes them particularly vulnerable. Essentially, it can happen to anyone as long as they trust the wrong person.

However, Klein suggests that future investigations into this topic may reveal that certain personal characteristics can affect a person’s susceptibility to gaslighting, such as attachment styles or a history of psychological trauma. He hopes that future research can validate different components of the model and lead to better support for people who have been victims of gaslighting.

About the Study

The study, titled “A Theoretical Framework for Studying the Phenomenon of Gaslighting,” was published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Review. The study was supported by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Conclusion

Thanks to the research efforts of a team from McGill University and the University of Toronto, a new theoretical model has been developed to understand the phenomenon of gaslighting. This model redefines gaslighting as a learning process, where manipulators exploit trust and expectations to ensnare their victims. With a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, support for those affected can be enhanced, paving the way for further research that may uncover factors increasing susceptibility to gaslighting.