Messed Up Mind Games: How Dark Personalities Embrace Gaslighting

 

This insidious tactic can leave victims feeling confused, isolated, and powerless. But what kind of personality traits might be linked to using gaslighting? New research explores the connection between the "Dark Tetrad" - narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism - and the acceptance of gaslighting tactics.

This blog post dives into the st
udy, exploring how different facets of these personality traits might be associated with a greater tolerance for manipulative behaviors. We'll also see if there are any gender differences in how these traits relate to gaslighting acceptance.

So, if you've ever been gaslighted or are curious about the psychology behind this form of abuse, keep reading! 

March and colleagues (2023) studied some critical psychological traits, and here is how they assessed them:

1. Dark Tetrad Traits: The study measured four personality traits associated with manipulation and social deviance: psychopathy (primary and secondary), narcissism (grandiose and vulnerable), Machiavellianism (tactics and views), and sadism. Self-report questionnaires were used for each trait.
2. Control Tactics: A measure assesses the desire for control in intimate relationships.
3. Social Desirability: This was included to account for participants who might underreport negative traits.
4. Gaslighting Acceptance: Researchers created a questionnaire to assess how acceptable participants found various gaslighting tactics in relationships.

March and colleagues (2023) found that people with higher scores on all Dark Tetrad traits were more likely to find gaslighting tactics acceptable, so let's delve deeper into three traits that emerged as particularly strong predictors of gaslighting acceptance:

1. Primary Psychopathy: Imagine a deep coldness that chills you to the bone. That's the hallmark of primary psychopathy. People high in this trait lack empathy and remorse, making them more likely to manipulate others for personal gain without a second thought. Gaslighting becomes a tool in their manipulative arsenal, used to confuse and control their victims.
2. Machiavellian Tactics: Cunning and deceptive, those high in Machiavellianism are experts at using others for their own benefit. They view people as pawns to be maneuvered in a game they must always win. Gaslighting aligns perfectly with this manipulative strategy, allowing them to control the narrative and gain power over their partner.
3. Sadism: Some people derive pleasure from inflicting emotional pain on others. Sadists may use gaslighting to intentionally cause confusion, distress, and self-doubt in their partners.

An Unexpected Gender Difference

Interestingly, March and colleagues (2023) found a gender difference:

1. Men, on average, were more accepting of gaslighting tactics than women, and this disparity becomes even more concerning when considering the role of vulnerable narcissism
2. People high in this trait are hypersensitive to criticism and rejection, and they might see gaslighting as a way to avoid feeling inadequate or deflecting blame in a relationship.
   
   

For example, a partner high in vulnerable narcissism might deny saying something hurtful or gaslight their partner into believing they overreacted to a comment, all to avoid confronting their own shortcomings and protecting their fragile self-esteem.

Are You Being Gaslighted?

If you're reading this and wondering if you might be in a gaslighting relationship, here are some warning signs to watch out for:

1. Are you frequently contradicted or told you're overreacting?
2. Do you feel confused and questioning your memory or sanity since you entered a relationship with this person?
3. Does your partner deny having essential events or deny conversations?
4. Do you feel like you're constantly walking on eggshells around your partner?

If you recognize these signs, knowing you are not alone is essential. Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse, and there is help available. Remember, you deserve a healthy relationship built on trust and respect. Here are some resources that can help you navigate this tricky situation :

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

The National Network to End Domestic Violence: https://nnedv.org/

Psychology Today's blog on gaslighting: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gaslighting

References

1. March, Evita & Kay, Cameron & Dinić, Bojana & Wagstaff, Danielle & Grabovac, Beata & Jonason, Peter Karl. (2023). “It’s All in Your Head”: Personality Traits and Gaslighting Tactics in Intimate Relationships. Journal of Family Violence. 1-10. 10.1007/s10896-023-00582-y.