Gaslighting Reinterpreted: A Neuroscientific Perspective on Manipulation
Researchers from McGill University and the University of Toronto have offered a novel interpretation of gaslighting, reframing it not merely as manipulation but as a learning process influenced by the brain's handling of prediction and surprise. This new model underscores how trust in personal relationships can be exploited to erode one's sense of reality.
Gaslighting, traditionally understood as a form of malicious manipulation, has been given a new interpretation by researchers at McGill University and the University of Toronto. This study suggests that what we consider gaslighting can be better understood through the lens of cognitive science, focusing on how our brains deal with prediction and surprise.
The implications are profound: instead of attributing gaslighting solely to psychodynamic theories, which often rest on outdated psychological frameworks, this new approach redefines it as a kind of learning process. At its core, this model reflects how the brain’s expectations can be manipulated by others who repeatedly undermine an individual's self-confidence and trust in their perception of reality.
Gaslighting exploits the trust established in close relationships, turning it against the very individuals who hold these connections dear. The repeated instillation of doubt in a person's perception works by repeatedly misaligning their expectations with reality, creating a constant state of surprise and uncertainty.
This reframing allows for a more nuanced understanding of manipulation, emphasizing the brain's adaptability and, paradoxically, its susceptibility to being deceived under certain conditions. By positioning gaslighting within the context of prediction error and cognitive discrepancies, researchers have shed light on why some people feel trapped in cycles of doubt despite logical evidence to the contrary.
Such insights not only refine our comprehension of gaslighting but also call for more detailed studies on cognitive processes related to social manipulation. As artificial intelligence increasingly mirrors human cognition, understanding these processes could also inform the design of AI systems that protect user integrity against potential manipulations.
This research is a vital step in linking cognitive science with behavioral psychology, offering both academic and practical insights into the mechanisms of manipulation.
For further reading, please refer to the original article at ScienceDaily.
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