Dark psychology
Introduction
to
Dark
PsychologyDr Mayurika Das Biswas
And
Study Glows
or
By Tate
Topics of
Discussion
1.Manipulation Techniques
2.Persuasion and Influence
3.Dark Personalities
4.Mind Games
5.Cognitive Biases
6.Cults and Brainwashing
7.How to resist Dark Psychology
8.Assessment and FAQ
Manipulation
Technique
Topics of
Discussion
•Gaslighting
•Guilt-Tripping
•Emotional
Manipulation
•Isolation
•Love Bombing
Gaslighting 01
● Gaslighting is a form of psychological
manipulation and emotional abuse in
which one person seeks to undermine
another person's perception of reality,
causing them to doubt their own
memory, judgment, and sanity.
• The term "gaslighting" originated from a play called "Gas
Light" and its subsequent film adaptations, where a husband
systematically manipulated his wife into believing she was
going insane by dimming the gas lights in their house and
denying that anything had changed.
• The manipulator undermines the victim's perception of reality,
making them doubt their own thoughts, feelings, and sanity.
This can involve distorting facts, denying events, or invalidating
the victim's experiences to gain control and power over them.
Gaslight
"Gas Light"
People may engage
in gaslighting for
various reasons,
including:
•Gaslighters aim to exert control over their
victims by undermining their sense of
reality, making them doubt their
perceptions, thoughts, and memories. This
control can be used to manipulate the
victim's behavior and emotions.
Control:
•Gaslighters often have low self-esteem
themselves and may try to boost their
own self-worth by diminishing others. By
making their victims doubt themselves,
gaslighters can feel superior and in
control.
Self-esteem:
•In relationships where there is an
imbalance of power, such as abusive
relationships, gaslighting can be a way for
the more dominant person to maintain
control and prevent the other person from
challenging their authority.
Power dynamics:
•Gaslighters may employ this tactic to
manipulate the emotions of their victims.
By making them question their own sanity,
they can create a sense of dependency
and vulnerability in the victim, making it
easier to exploit them emotionally.
Emotional manipulation:
•In some cases, individuals may engage
in gaslighting as a defence mechanism.
They might feel threatened by the
other person's opinions or actions and
resort to gaslighting to protect
themselves or avoid accountability.
Defence mechanism:
• It's important to note that gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse
and can have severe consequences for the victim's mental health
and well-being.
• If you suspect that you or someone you know is being gaslighted,
it's crucial to seek support from trusted friends, family, or
professionals who can provide guidance and assistance.
Examples of
gaslighting
techniques:
Denial and dismissal:
Gaslighters may deny or dismiss their
victim's experiences, emotions, or concerns.
They might say things like, "You're
overreacting," "That never happened," or
"You're just being sensitive."
Blatant lying:
Gaslighters often lie about past events or
conversations, creating a distorted version
of reality. They might deny making promises,
alter details of previous incidents, or
fabricate information to confuse the victim.
Withholding information:
Gaslighters may selectively withhold
information to manipulate the victim's
perception of reality. They might
conveniently "forget" to mention certain
events or conversations, leading the victim
to question their own memory or
understanding of the situation.
Twisting the truth:
Gaslighters may distort the truth and
manipulate facts to suit their narrative. They
might reinterpret conversations,
misrepresent the intentions of the victim, or
attribute false motives to confuse and
disorient them.
Projection:
Gaslighters often project their own negative
traits, behaviors, or feelings onto their
victims. By accusing the victim of the very
things they themselves are doing, they shift
the blame and make the victim doubt their
own character.
Invalidating emotions:
Gaslighters may belittle or invalidate the
victim's emotions, making them feel as
though their feelings are unreasonable or
unwarranted. They might say things like,
"You're just being dramatic" or "You're too
sensitive."
Creating confusion:
Gaslighters aim to create confusion and
uncertainty in their victims. They might
change their stance, contradict themselves,
or use manipulative tactics that make it
difficult for the victim to grasp what is real
or true.
Isolation:
Gaslighters often try to isolate their victims
from support systems, such as friends and
family, by spreading rumors or undermining
their relationships. This isolation makes the
victim more dependent on the gaslighter
and less likely to seek help or validation.
Deception and Lying:
This can involve withholding information,
spreading false rumors, or presenting a
distorted version of reality to serve their
own interests.
• It's important to be aware of these tactics and
recognize when you may be experiencing gaslighting.
• Trusting your own perceptions, seeking support from
trusted individuals, and setting boundaries can help in
dealing with gaslighters and protecting your well-being.
How to
identify
Doubting your own
perception:
Gaslighting often makes you question your
own memory, perception, or judgment.
You may find yourself constantly second-
guessing your thoughts and actions."
Feeling confused and
disoriented
Gaslighters aim to create confusion and
make you feel uncertain about what is real
or true. They may contradict themselves,
change their story, or give inconsistent
information, leaving you feeling disoriented.
Apologizing and feeling
guilty
Gaslighters often make you feel responsible
for their behavior or the problems in the
relationship. You may find yourself
apologizing frequently, even when you
haven't done anything wrong.
Losing self-confidence
Gaslighting erodes your self-esteem and
confidence over time. The gaslighter may
consistently criticize and belittle you, making
you doubt your abilities, worth, or
attractiveness.
Isolation from support
systems
Gaslighters may try to isolate you from
friends, family, or other sources of support.
They may discourage or undermine your
relationships, making you more dependent
on them for validation and guidance.
Blaming yourself
Gaslighters shift blame onto you and make
you feel responsible for their behavior. They
may make you believe that their actions are
a result of your shortcomings or mistakes.
Feeling like you're going
crazy
Gaslighting can lead to a sense of unreality
or feeling like you're losing your mind. The
constant manipulation and denial of your
experiences can cause significant emotional
distress.
Gaslighting in different
contexts
Gaslighting can occur in various settings, such as
relationships, workplaces, or even in broader
societal or political contexts. The tactics and
dynamics may differ, but the goal remains the
same—to undermine your perception of reality.
Coping with
Gas lighting
Recognize that your feelings
and perceptions are valid.
Trust your instincts and
intuition, even if the
gaslighter tries to make you
doubt them. Remind yourself
that you have a right to your
own thoughts and emotions.
Trust
your
instincts
Reach out to trusted friends,
family members, or a support
network who can provide
validation and perspective.
Share your experiences and
concerns with someone who
can offer a listening ear and
support you emotionally.
Seek
support