Gaslighting LGBTQ+ Individuals: Correlates of Gaslighting Experiences, Gaslighters’ Characteristics, and Gaslighting Techniques

ABSTRACT

LGBTQ+ individuals have been victims of gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation and emotional abuse that causes minority people to question their sense of self, doubt the validity of their identities, and internalize heteronormativity. This study explores personal and relational correlates of LGBTQ+ people’s gaslighting experiences, examines demographic and relational characteristics of gaslighters, and identifies common gaslighting techniques. Results (N = 365 U.S. LGBTQ+ adults) showed that LGBTQ+ people’s demographic factors were generally not related to their gaslighting experiences. Participants having an affirmative LGBTQ+ identity and experiencing higher relational power reported less gaslighting. Yet, gaslighting experiences were correlated with adverse mental and physical health consequences and lower relational satisfaction. Fathers were identified as the most typical gaslighters, followed by mothers and male friends, and lastly female friends. Respondents identified various overt gaslighting tactics, including devaluing and questioning the significance and validity of LGBTQ+ identities, purposefully forgetting what has occurred, and controlling conversations. Few participants mentioned more subtle forms of gaslighting. Thus, gaslighting is a serious challenge for LGBTQ+ people. More efforts should be devoted to helping people better prevent, recognize, and cope with gaslighting behaviors across relational contexts.

KEYWORDS:

• Gaslighting
• gaslighter
• correlates
• outcomes
• techniques
• LGBTQ++

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yachao Li

Yachao Li (Ph.D., University of Georgia) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of Public Health at The College of New Jersey. His research focuses on how LGBTQ+ individuals and couples communicate their identities, manage relational challenges, and build resilience in a heteronormative society. His work also explores the role of relational communication in reducing health disparities.

Jennifer A. Samp

Jennifer A. Samp (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison) is an independent researcher at Communication Compasses. She has over 20 years of experience in research and teaching on topics related to human behavior, social interaction, interpersonal conflict, goals, power, commitment, satisfaction, and self-awareness.