Gaslighting, Emotional Invalidation and Well-Being in Married Individuals

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between gaslighting, perceived emotional invalidation, and well-being among married individuals. Gaslighting and emotional invalidation were examined as independent variables, while well-being was treated as the outcome variable. The study aimed to determine whether harmful relational experiences within marriage are associated with reduced psychological well-being. A correlational research design was employed, and data were collected from married individuals using standardized self-report measures, including the Gaslight Questionnaire Urdu version, Perceived Invalidation of Emotion Scale, and WHO-5 Well-being Index Urdu version. The instruments demonstrated excellent internal consistency in the present study. Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis revealed that gaslighting had a significant negative correlation with well-being (r = –.62), indicating that higher gaslighting was associated with lower well-being. Similarly, perceived emotional invalidation by a spouse was significantly and negatively correlated with well-being (r = –.61). Multiple linear regression analysis further showed that gaslighting and emotional invalidation significantly predicted well-being, collectively explaining 41.7% variance in well-being, F (2,147) = 54.19. Individually, both gaslighting (β = –.32, p < .001) and emotional invalidation (β = –.33, p < .001) emerged as significant negative predictors. Overall, the findings highlight the detrimental role of gaslighting and emotional invalidation in marital relationships and emphasize the importance of emotional validation, psychological safety, and healthy communication for promoting well-being among married individuals.