https://youtu.be/6ibAG-f8L2I?si=ruGXK5EHCZIRiLOG What is Gaslighting? Origin of the Term and What it Means.
https://youtu.be/BICqcEvzhVw?si=dNS6Xxxt4kSOd7dR
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that causes someone to question their perception of reality. The term comes from Gaslight, a 1938 British stage play that was later adapted into two films: a 1940 British version and the more widely known 1944 American film Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. In both versions, the story follows a husband who manipulates his wife into doubting her own sanity, including dimming the gaslights in their home while insisting that nothing has changed.
This video explains the meaning and origins of the term and how it is used today. While clips from the American film are featured in this video due to its familiarity with U.S. audiences, the concept originates from the earlier British adaptations.
This video is presented by Tres Adames, a pastoral counselor and spiritual care trainer with Prism Counseling & Coaching in Phoenix, Arizona, where we provide counseling services and educational resources on mental health and pastoral counseling. Learn more about us at: prism-counseling.com
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The Film Gaslight (1944) told me a story of
Gaslighting vs. Reclaiming Self-Narratives: Monica Lewinsky’s Journey
Gaslighting & Loss of Control
- Monica Lewinsky was gaslighted by the media and political forces, portraying her as the sole villain in a scandal driven by power imbalances.
- The public narrative erased context, framing her as reckless rather than recognizing the manipulation and exploitation at play.
- She was doubted, mocked, and shamed, with her own reality rewritten by those in power.
???? Reclaiming Self-Narratives & Regaining Power
- Instead of letting others define her, she stood firm in her own truth, refusing to let gaslighting control her identity.
- By recognizing media manipulation early and confronting it, she reclaimed her story through public speaking, advocacy, and writing.
- Rather than being a passive figure in a scandal, she transformed into a leader against cyberbullying and public shaming, proving that narratives can be rewritten with agency and resilience.
Key Takeaway: Gaslighting thrives on distorting reality, but owning your story is the ultimate defense. Lewinsky’s journey proves that self-narratives can be reclaimed, no matter how deeply others try to control them.
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Monica Lewinsky & Reclaiming the Narrative
Monica Lewinsky has reclaimed her narrative by shifting the public perception of her story—from being defined by scandal to being a respected advocate against cyberbullying, public shaming, and media exploitation.
Why Did She Need to Reclaim It?
1?? Media & Public Shaming: In the late 1990s, Lewinsky became the center of a political scandal involving President Bill Clinton. The media sensationalized and ridiculed her, reducing her identity to a single event and ignoring her humanity.
2?? Power Imbalance: As a young intern, she was in a vulnerable position, yet she alone bore the brunt of the fallout, while Clinton largely retained his political influence.
3?? Cyberbullying Pioneer: She was one of the first people to experience mass online humiliation, years before social media amplified public shaming culture.
How Did She Reclaim It?
Public Speaking & Writing – She gave a TED Talk ("The Price of Shame") and wrote essays on public shaming and bullying.
Advocacy Work – Became an activist for anti-bullying and digital dignity, using her experience to help others.
Owning Her Story – She no longer lets others define her; instead, she tells her story on her own terms, focusing on lessons learned and societal flaws exposed.
Key Takeaway
Monica Lewinsky’s journey shows that narratives can be rewritten. Instead of being forever labeled by past events, she took control, reshaped the discourse, and turned public humiliation into a powerful platform for change.
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Definition of Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or group makes someone question their own memory, perception, or reality to gain control over them. The goal is to create doubt, confusion, and self-distrust so the gaslighter can maintain power.
Examples of Gaslighting
In Relationships: A partner denies past abusive behavior, saying, “You’re making things up” or “You’re too sensitive.”
At Work: A boss dismisses concerns about unethical practices with, “You’re imagining problems where none exist.”
In Family Dynamics: A parent tells a child, “That never happened; you must be dreaming.”
In Politics: A leader denies saying something on record and calls the truth "fake news."
The Film Gaslight (1944) – Origin of the Term
The term "gaslighting" comes from the 1944 psychological thriller Gaslight starring Ingrid Bergman. In the film, Bergman’s character, Paula, is manipulated by her husband, Gregory (Charles Boyer), who dims the gaslights in their home and insists she is imagining it. He hides objects and makes her believe she is losing her sanity, all to cover up his own sinister motives.
This film became the classic representation of gaslighting, illustrating how manipulators distort reality to make their victims feel unstable and dependent.
Key Takeaway
Gaslighting is about control through doubt. Recognizing it early and standing firm in your own reality is the best defense.
