Mediating Role of Fear of Negative Evaluation and Self-Doubt in Paths Between Gaslighting and Cognitive Failure in Married Women

One of the widespread problems faced by married women is gaslighting, also known as psychological manipulation. The present research was intended to explore the relationship between gaslighting and cognitive failure with mediating role of self-doubt and fear of negative evaluation in married women. The phenomenon of gaslight is a form of psychological abuse which does not have any overt impacts rather it gradually attacks victim’s sense of self and perceptions. Such consequences lead to emergence of self-doubt, fear of being negatively evaluated by others, and ultimately leading to cognitive failure which needs attention. For present study, sample size of 284 married women was taken via purposive sampling technique. Four standardized assessment measures that is the Gaslight Questionnaire (Stern, 2009), Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (Broadbent et al., 1982), Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (Leary, 1983), and Self-Doubt Scale (Oleson et al., 2000) were used to assess study variables. Results indicated that gaslighting had significant positive relationship with fear of negative evaluation, self-doubt, and cognitive failure. Gaslighting and self-doubt emerged as positive predictors of cognitive failure. Self-doubt appeared as a significant mediator in relationship between gaslighting and cognitive failure. Study findings would help the therapists to foresee adverse effects of gaslighting, self-doubt, and fear of negative evaluation on cognitive failure in gaslighting. Furthermore, study will provide baseline knowledge to plan interventions to minimize or avoid cognitive failure in married women.