The relationship between gaslighting exposure, sociodemographic variables and psychopathological symptoms in women

BACKGROUND: In gaslighting, one partner manipulates the other to such degree that it includes doubts about their own memory and mental health. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between the levels of gaslighting exposure, sociodemographic variables, and psychopathological symptoms in women.METHODS: Analyses were conducted on a sample of 234 women, who were recruited through an online survey system. Data collection involved a sociodemographic form, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL90-R), and the Gaslighting Questionnaire (GQ).RESULTS: Younger age, lower education levels, single status, and the absence of a romantic relationship were all factors associated with higher levels of exposure to gaslighting. All subdimensions and the total scores of SCL90-R were significantly positively correlated with levels of gaslighting exposure. In the regression model, depression, psychoticism, education status, and romantic relationship status emerged as significant contributors.CONCLUSIONS: While gaslighting is a long-established concept, its role in mental health and its position in context of violence and abuse still necessitate further research. Nevertheless, our findings demonstrate a robust correlation between levels of psychopathological symptoms and exposure to gaslighting.