Who'd of thought there's a name for it?

[aelfie]

So I was reading this month's edition of Oprah's magazine when I get to a article blurb that describes gaslighting, and how to deal with someone who is doing it to the reader.  According to wikipedia, "Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse. It uses persistent denials of fact which, as they build up over time, make the victim progressively anxious, confused, and unable to trust his or her own memory and perception." Which is a pretty good sumation of my last serious relationship.

Personally, I just call it abuse. It doesn't make it any nicer to deal with , but its interesting to know there's a specific name for it.

Comments

Gas Light

[ctgstr8.livejournal.com]

The term comes from an old movie. I think Ingrid Bergman starred in it. Her (movie) husband used the psychological technique you describe on his unfortunate wife. I think this film is considered a classic.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Wow, so how DOES one deal with someone who is doing that?