The power to gaslight

Abstract

Gaslighting is a dysfunctional pattern of relating that destabilizes an individual’s sense of reality. Adopting a communication perspective, this study examined the relationship between gaslighting and interpersonal power dynamics. Participants (N = 298) recalled a disagreement with a dating partner and provided measures of dependence power and their experience of gaslighting. Results were counter-theoretical, suggesting a curvilinear relationship between gaslighting and power. Specifically, individuals with low and high levels of power reported greater gaslighting than those with moderate power. Results suggest that tacit control attempts differ from overt control attempts in how they (re)produce relational hierarchy. The study underscores the importance of understanding relationship contexts in studying dysfunctional interpersonal dynamics.