Gaslighting and its application to interpersonal violence

Purpose The study aims to examine the nature of gaslighting and how it relates interpersonal aggression. Design/methodology/approach It does so first through application a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) understand is understood academically. This RAE captured 50 articles, with 12 retained for thematic review. Results were then used develop behaviour measure, which was applied in an online adults ( n = 386; 77.2% women). Findings Five themes identified from REA: components gaslighting; as tool abuse; perpetrators damaged manipulators; experiences characteristics victims; institutional racial gaslighting. In ensuing study, results demonstrated that emotional abuse broadly related both perpetration experiencing gaslighting, indicating may represent extension abuse. relationship trait aggression limited primarily isolated victims presenting higher levels capturing more (e.g. anger/hostility). Research limitations/implications importance context understanding between indicated, some complexity found. Suggestions future research are made. Practical implications Accounting key. Developing validating measures would assist evaluation this behaviour. When working those who have history abuse, considering further element potentially important. should not be assumed has association non-emotional aggression; type where occurring Originality/value consider development informed by methodological review literature.