Toxic narcissists often use gaslighting in divorce cases to manipulate their spouses and maintain control. Gaslighting—a form of psychological abuse where the narcissist distorts reality to make their spouse doubt their perceptions, memory, or sanity—serves several purposes in this context:
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Power and Control: Narcissists thrive on dominance. By gaslighting, they undermine their spouse’s confidence, making them question their decisions, such as pursuing the divorce or asserting their rights. This can weaken the spouse’s resolve and give the narcissist leverage in negotiations or court proceedings.
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Deflecting Blame: Narcissists rarely accept fault. Gaslighting allows them to rewrite events, portraying themselves as the victim or denying their abusive behavior. For example, they might claim their spouse’s accusations of infidelity or emotional abuse are exaggerated or imagined, shifting focus from their actions.