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The Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Gaslighting Acceptance : A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Ostendorf, Amelie (2025) The Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Gaslighting Acceptance : A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.
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| Abstract: | Gaslighting, an insidious form of psychological manipulation, is employed to erode another person’s sense of reality to gain control over them. This study aimed to explore the potential relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and Gaslighting Acceptance, investigating both cumulative ACE scores and individual types of ACEs as possible predictors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which participants (N = 178) completed validated questionnaires measuring gaslighting acceptance and ACEs. Spearman’s rank correlations were conducted between gaslighting acceptance scores and total ACE scores, as well as on the item-level. While results indicated no significant correlation between total ACE scores and gaslighting acceptance scores, different specific types of ACEs were negatively associated, with sexual abuse remaining statistically significant after correction for multiple testing (Spearman’s N = -.21). These findings suggest that cumulative childhood adversity scores are not predictive of gaslighting acceptance, but that certain types of ACEs may sensitize individuals to avoid gaslighting. Future research could expand on the influence of childhood trauma on gaslighting acceptance by exploring different mediators and moderators, such as education and therapy exposure. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106625 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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