Dr. Mark Ettensohn, a specialist in pathological narcissism, discusses gaslighting. He explains that while gaslighting is sometimes a conscious manipulation tactic, in individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), it often stems from unconscious psychological factors. These factors include blurry boundaries between self and others, leading to misinterpretations of others' intentions, and a difficulty accepting the immutability of consequences for their actions. Dr. Ettensohn clarifies that this isn't an excuse for the behavior but rather an explanation rooted in developmental deficits, highlighting the difference between immature defense mechanisms and mature responses to accountability. He emphasizes that while gaslighting is harmful, it's not always a deliberate attempt to manipulate.
