Why do people Gaslight?

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which a person manipulates another person’s perception of reality in order to gain power and control over them. There are many reasons why someone might engage in gaslighting behavior, including:

1. To maintain power and control: Gaslighting is often used as a tool to maintain power and control over another person. By manipulating their perception of reality, the abuser can make the victim feel helpless and dependent on them.
2. To avoid responsibility: Gaslighting can be a way for someone to avoid taking responsibility for their actions or behavior. By denying or minimizing the victim’s experiences, the abuser can avoid facing the consequences of their actions.
3. To deflect attention: Gaslighting can also be used to deflect attention away from the abuser’s own flaws or mistakes. By making the victim doubt their own perceptions and experiences, the abuser can shift the focus onto the victim and make it seem like they are the problem.
4. To satisfy their own ego: Some people engage in gaslighting behavior simply because it makes them feel powerful or superior. By manipulating another person’s perception of reality, they can feel like they have the upper hand and are in control.
5. To cause harm: In some cases, people may engage in gaslighting behavior simply to cause harm to another person. This can be a form of sadism or a way for the abuser to exert their own sense of power over their victim.

It’s important to note that regardless of the reasons why someone engages in gaslighting behavior, it is never acceptable and can have serious consequences for the victim’s mental health and well-being.

© Linda C J Turner