Exposure to ghosting, gaslighting and coercion and mental health outcomes

There is limited research into the mental health consequences of exposure to the relatively common abusive relationship behaviors of ghosting, gaslighting and coercion. This cross-sectional survey study examines the contribution of maladaptive trait variables (rejection sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty in relationships) and situational triggers (exposure to ghosting, gaslighting and coercion from a current or past dating partner) to predicting depression, anxiety and paranoid ideation. Correlational data from a sample of 544 participants in the United Kingdom were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. The maladaptive trait variables of rejection sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty were positively associated with depression, anxiety and paranoid ideation. Gaslighting was positively associated with depression, and ghosting and coercion with paranoid ideation. It is recommended that victims of abusive relationship behaviors be offered psychological support to prevent the onset of depression and paranoia.