Gaslighting in the context of clinical interactions with parents of transgender children

ABSTRACT

Understood as a type of identity-related abuse, gaslighting is a form of manipulation where the perpetrator attempts to convince someone that their thoughts, perceptions, or beliefs are mistaken. In the clinical context, gaslighting is often seen as part of a broader constellation of abuse and violence between adults. However, it can also happen in more subtle ways, and can present in ways that are difficult to detect. This paper explores instances where gaslighting may potentially occur in clinical interactions involving parents of transgender children. Three fictionalised case studies are presented drawing on the first author's clinical work, and demonstrate three overarching forms of gaslighting: (1) deferred action, (2) intentional forgetting, and (3) placing an emotional burden on the child. Having presented the three cases, the paper concludes by discussing how clinicians might identify and respond to gaslighting, emphasising (1) speaking with children on their own, (2) speaking on behalf of children to parents, (3) modelling advocacy to parents, (4) correcting misgendering in the clinical context, and (5) using peer supervision to discuss cases. In sum, the paper argues that whilst clinicians should not rush to “diagnose” gaslighting, clinicians should also not overlook its powerful effects upon transgender young people.

KEYWORDS:

• Transgender children
• parents
• gaslighting
• identity-related abuse
• case studies

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to begin by acknowledging the sovereignty of the Kaurna people, the First Nations people upon whose land they live and work. Damien would like to thank Gavi Ansara, Georgie Swift, and Shoshana Rosenberg for insightful and stimulating conversations about the topics addressed in this paper.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Damien W. Riggs

Damien W. Riggs is an associate professor in social work at Flinders University, and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow. He is the author of over 200 publications in the areas of gender, family, and mental health including (with Clemence Due) A critical approach to surrogacy: Reproductive desires and demands (Routledge, 2018).

Clare Bartholomaeus

Clare Bartholomaeus is an adjunct research associate in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work at Flinders University. Her research interests include gender, diversity, children/young people, and families. She is the author (with Damien Riggs) of Transgender people and education (Palgrave, 2017).