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When was the last time you encountered the term “gaslighting”? Chances are, it was recently.
“Gaslighting” has become a prevalent concept utilized by many, ranging from one’s acquaintances to media personalities and political figures.
Sometimes the word is used to describe legitimate experiences of catastrophic emotional abuse, while other times it is a label employed by those confronted with a perspective different from their own.
Considering the frequency of its use, one may wonder if gaslighting is more common in, and even characteristic of, the present age. Or, it could be argued, there is now language with which to discuss certain behaviors and a greater awareness concerning them. Conversely, the term might be overused and mistakenly applied to situations, further depreciating those who have endured this form of manipulation.
Navigating this terminology and differentiating legitimate abuse from perceived injury can thus be complicated, particularly as contemporary language and the modern-day collective consciousness are saturated with this term’s use and misuse.
As professionals in the fields of social work and therapy, respectively, Sherry Flemming and Andrew Parker guide Catholics to aid them in traversing this landscape.
This definition states that the typical result is “confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.”
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
“Gaslighting” has become a prevalent concept utilized by many, ranging from one’s acquaintances to media personalities and political figures.
Sometimes the word is used to describe legitimate experiences of catastrophic emotional abuse, while other times it is a label employed by those confronted with a perspective different from their own.
Considering the frequency of its use, one may wonder if gaslighting is more common in, and even characteristic of, the present age. Or, it could be argued, there is now language with which to discuss certain behaviors and a greater awareness concerning them. Conversely, the term might be overused and mistakenly applied to situations, further depreciating those who have endured this form of manipulation.
Navigating this terminology and differentiating legitimate abuse from perceived injury can thus be complicated, particularly as contemporary language and the modern-day collective consciousness are saturated with this term’s use and misuse.
As professionals in the fields of social work and therapy, respectively, Sherry Flemming and Andrew Parker guide Catholics to aid them in traversing this landscape.
Defining ‘gaslighting’
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “gaslighting” as the “psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time.” It notes that this manipulation “causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories.”This definition states that the typical result is “confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.”
Continued below.
How to navigate 'gaslighting' as Catholics
What is “gaslighting” and how should Catholics respond to it? Writer Nicole Snook asks professionals for their definitions and guidance for Catholics. Read it here:
www.oursundayvisitor.com
