Again, words like “manipulation” and “gaslighting” are super buzzy right now and are sometimes used interchangeably. So, let’s briefly discuss the difference between them.In short, manipulation is the umbrella term that gaslighting falls under. “Manipulation is a broader term that encompasses many strategies (guilt-tripping, flattery, deception) to influence someone’s actions,” says Dr. Michael G. Wetter, PsyD, APBB, FAACP, a board-certified clinical psychologist in Los Angeles. “Gaslighting is a specific form of emotional manipulation aimed at distorting another person’s perception of reality.”Put another way: “Where manipulation might guilt you into doing something you don’t want to do, gaslighting makes you wonder if you’re crazy for not wanting to do it in the first place,” Dr. Edwards-Hawver explains. “Think of it this way: Manipulation pressures behavior. Gaslighting rewrites truth.”So naturally, the tactics differ. Gaslighting relies on denial, contradiction and misinformation, Dr. Wetter says, while manipulation involves emotional leverage or coercion that doesn’t necessarily distort reality.Related:6 Subtle ‘Dry Begging’ Phrases People Use To Manipulate Others, Psychologists Warn
5 Common Manipulative Phrases, According to Psychologists
2. “That never happened.”
When you remember and mention something that doesn’t put the gaslighter in a perfect, positive light, they deny, deny, deny. “Whether it’s a conversation, a promise or even physical aggression, this phrase is meant to make the victim question their memory,” Dr. Edwards-Hawver says.This happening repeatedly over time can chip away at your confidence, she continues, leaving you feeling confused and dependent. And that’s a gaslighter’s goal.
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This is another way a gaslighter might respond when you mention something that could hurt their image. They don’t want you to believe it, so they try to convince you that you’re wrong.“By planting doubt about the accuracy of memory, the gaslighter positions themselves as the more reliable narrator of events—even when they are the one distorting the truth,” Dr. Wetter says.To clarify, people can remember events differently without it being a case of gaslighting. The difference is intentionality, malice, the context and any patterns.Related: 6 Signs Someone Is Using You, According to a Psychologist
4. “I’m only saying this because I love you.”
5. “Everyone else thinks you’re crazy too.”
This double whammy pairs gaslighting with social manipulation. “It isolates the victim and makes them question their own mental state and their support network,” Dr. Wetter says. “It also introduces the idea of group consensus as a way to pressure conformity and silence dissent.”After all, if everyone (supposedly) thinks you’re “crazy,” it must be true, right? (Wrong.)“Gaslighting is uniquely damaging because it seeks to erode a person’s trust in themselves,” Dr. Wetter concludes. “Understanding the subtle phrases and behaviors associated with gaslighting can empower individuals to recognize and resist this form of abuse.”
Related: 10 Manipulative Tactics Straight Out of a Gaslighter’s Playbook, According to Psychologists
Sources:
Dr. Cynthia Edwards-Hawver, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and narcissistic burnout recovery coach who helps high-functioning moms break free from narcissistic abuse and emotional exhaustion.Dr. Michael G. Wetter, PsyD, APBB, FAACP, a board-certified clinical psychologistWhen It Might Not Be Gaslighting, Psychology TodayHence then, the article about 5 manipulative phrases straight out of a gaslighter s playbook according to psychologists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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