Gaslighting em relacionamentos amorosos: mecanismos de manipulação e comportamentos do agressor

Abstract

This study aimed to map and analyze scientific literature on gaslighting in romantic relationships, emphasizing manipulation mechanisms, behaviors attributed to the perpetrator, and psychological and sociocultural factors associated with the maintenance of this form of psychological violence. This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory scoping review, based on searches conducted in SciELO and the CAPES Journal Portal, covering publications from 2019 to 2025, with the inclusion of an earlier classic study due to its conceptual relevance. Nine studies were included. The findings were organized into thematic categories: definition of gaslighting, manipulation strategies, psychological factors associated with the perpetrator, gender and power relations, subjective impacts, and coping strategies. The review indicates that gaslighting weakens the victim’s perception of reality and is sustained by interpersonal practices and sociocultural inequalities. The study highlights the importance of conceptual precision and of interdisciplinary approaches to identify, prevent, and confront psychological violence in intimate relationships.