The term gaslighting is used to refer to a person who makes someone doubt their own truth. Being a technique of manipulation, it is very common in interpersonal relationships, such as in family dynamics. That's why in today's article we're going to explain a little bit about how this domain strategy works.
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The four main types of gaslighting in the family
Whether easy or difficult to identify, gaslighting is a type of psychological abuse that consists of manipulate information in such a way that the other starts to question the reality around him, thus losing belief in yourself.
It can be practiced through verbal attacks, allusions to stereotypes and accusations of madness. In addition, the victim's lack of memory can intensify this process, which aims to control the other in the relationship.
Recognizing this abuse is extremely important to restore confidence in yourself, as it is then possible to defend your feelings, experiences and needs. Therefore, it's important that you now check out some common types of gaslighting in a family to learn how to spot them right away.
1. The “double bind” family
This type consists of conveying conflicting messages that can generate a sense of false reality. An example is when your dad tells you he loves you, but his body language says otherwise. This delivery of love in speech and rejection in touch in the same situation brings a feeling that what you have been told is not true.
2. the unpredictable family
The gaslighting of unpredictability consists of never knowing what might happen, what reaction your family members will have to some news or question. For example: one day you ask to go play soccer and they let you go; however, the other day, when you ask for the same thing, they complain to you and won't let you. This makes victims feel cornered and afraid to ask parents simple questions.
3. the perfect family
A family that tries to convey this ideal causes children to grow up in an environment in which there is no room for mistakes and weaknesses. Victims feel trapped and pressured, as they are forced to hide their insecurities and suppress all their negative feelings, as they do not feel comfortable expressing them.
It is clear that this will make the person become highly critical of themselves and continue in a constant, intense and toxic search for family recognition.
4. The emotionally neglectful family
Parents who are unaware of their children's emotions and emotional needs are emotionally neglectful. This is the most subtle way to practice gaslighting.
From that moment on, parents ignore the feelings of children or young people and do not give the necessary value to them, this contributes to victims feeling that their emotions are unnecessary and even unreal. Unfortunately they end up developing problems trusting themselves. In addition, they harbor a feeling of abandonment and of not having connection with nobody.
