Do Gaslighters Know What They Are Doing?

Do gaslighters know what they are doing? This is a common question asked of the psychological abuse tactic intended to manipulate others into questioning their own sanity. The term came from the 1938 British play Gas Light, which depicted a charming husband who slowly manipulates his wife through isolation and tactful deception in a malicious attempt to make her lose her mind. His intent was to harm, as well as establish power and control- which are fundamental attributes when defining gaslighting, also making it a form of emotional abuse. What can be difficult to understand is when someone who, for the most part, has positive intentions for their relationships, but uses gaslighting tactics when under emotional pressure, and rarely takes responsibility for doing so.