Exposure to ghosting, gaslighting and coercion in religious and non-religious people in the United Kingdom

This study examines various demographic differences in reported exposure to the psychologically harmful dating behaviors of ghosting, gaslighting, and coercion from a current or past partner. A sample of 544 participants provided demographic data and completed measures of exposure to ghosting, gaslighting, and coercion. Mann-Whitney U tests showed that men reported higher coercion than women; single people reported higher ghosting and gaslighting than partnered people; and participants aged 18-30 reported higher ghosting than those aged 31-40. Religion had an impact on exposure to all three behaviors, with religious people reporting higher ghosting, gaslighting, and coercion than non-religious people. Multiple regression analyses showed that religion was a significant predictor of ghosting, gaslighting, and coercion, over and above other demographic factors. It is important to increase awareness of ghosting, gaslighting, and coercion among psychotherapists. Psychotherapeutic practice must be sensitive to the religious and cultural identities of clients exposed to these behaviors.