Jumia Books The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life by Dr. Robin Stern (Author)

The Gaslight Effect by Dr. Robin Stern explores the psychological manipulation tactic called gaslighting, where one person tries to make another question their own reality, leading to confusion and self-doubt. Stern explains that gaslighting involves a dynamic between the gaslighter, who needs to be right to preserve their sense of power, and the gaslightee, who often idealizes the gaslighter and seeks their approval. The book identifies three types of gaslighters: the glamour gaslighter (initial charm followed by criticism), the good-guy gaslighter (appearing nice while manipulating), and the intimidator gaslighter (using anger or threats).

Stern outlines three stages of gaslighting experienced by the gaslightee: disbelief (confusion and denial), defense (attempting to please the gaslighter), and depression (loss of self-esteem and hopelessness). The book provides strategies to recognize and survive gaslighting, emphasizing self-awareness, setting boundaries, and reclaiming one's sense of reality. Stern stresses that it takes two to "dance the gaslight tango" and that the gaslightee holds the key to their own liberation by refusing to accept the gaslighter's distorted reality. The book offers practical advice to stop gaslighting and heal from its impact.