Özet:

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that causes individuals exposed to it to doubt their belief system, lose their self-confidence, and become dependent on the abuser. In this form of abuse, the abuser constantly denies what the victim is sure of, and claims that the victim’s thoughts are distorted. As a result, the victim begins to question his/her experiences, thoughts, and perception. The constant and systematic manipulations of the gaslighter cause the victim to self-doubt, lose self-confidence and self-worth, and/or create a negative self-image. Such situations are most common in close relationships and domestic violence scenarios. According to the researchers, gaslighting, which is frequently seen in close relationships, can cause serious mental and psychological problems in victims if ignored. It has a profound effect on the mental health of victims, such as anxiety, depression, increased confusion, self-doubt, decreased self-esteem, and can even trigger psychosis. This article aims to describe Gaslighting, its causes, how it can be distinguished if one is exposed to it, and how to deal with it, by bringing together the studies on Gaslighting, thus contributing to awareness studies.

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