Exploring the Awareness and Understanding of Romantic Gaslighting among Grade 11 and 12 students

in Golden Faith Academy: A Causal-Comparative Study

LA 14 - Associational Research

GROUP 1

Leader/s:

Saflor, Aziel
Zapanta, Katherine Nicole

Members:

De Lara, Adrian
Javier, Juraizha
Pailog, Austin
Samson, Beverly

Golden Faith Academy Senior High School

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
Ms. Danielle Cuebillas
11 - Kenzo
March 11, 2023
 CHAPTER 1: Introduction
Gaslighting is a type of psychological abuse that aims to create a "surreal" interpersonal environment.
This manipulation tactic can occur in many different types of relationships, including intimate, power-laden
relationships which makes it difficult to recognize. It is rooted in gender inequality and other social inequities
with an increased risk of dating violence (Espelage, 2022; Sweet, 2019). Initially, research on this phenomenon
is still relatively limited, and much less is known about romantic gaslighting among young people. Yet, research
has found that young people are more likely to be the victims of abuse and violence in romantic relationships.
In a study by Francis & Pearson (2021), when compared to older age groups, adolescents between the ages of
16 and 19 are the most likely to experience abuse in romantic relationships. Consequently, with the word
"gaslighting" being widely used today and being acknowledged by psychologists, its manifestation is more
common in teenage romantic relationships, making awareness vital in building healthy and respectful
relationships (ABS-CBN News, 2022). More significantly, romantic relationships, which are common among
young people, are a vital part of teenage growth (Kwon, 2017). It's crucial to look into how adolescents see this
issue given the prevalence of dating violence and the possible harm that can come from romantic gaslighting
(Francis & Pearson, 2021; Karakurt & Silver, 2013). Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship
between the level of awareness and understanding of Golden Faith Academy (GFA) Grade 11 and 12 students,
regarding romantic gaslighting. The study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What is the level of awareness and level of understanding of romantic gaslighting among Grade 11 and
12 students in GFA?
2. Is there a significant relationship between awareness and understanding of romantic gaslighting among
Grade 11 and 12 students in GFA?
3. What is the sexual orientation of Grade 11 and 12 students in GFA and does it impact their awareness
and understanding of romantic gaslighting?
4. What are the most common scenarios or situations in which romantic gaslighting occurs among Grade
11 and 12 students in GFA, and how do they relate to students' awareness and understanding of the
phenomenon?
5. Is there a significant difference in the level of awareness and understanding of romantic gaslighting
among Grade 11 and 12 students in GFA who have received education on healthy relationships
compared to those who have not?
This study will specifically focus on Grade 11 and 12 students in the GFA school district aged 16-17 years
old, as this population is at a crucial age for developing healthy relationship behaviors. Understanding how
relationships affect a person's mental health is significant to comprehend the ideal ways to protect their mental
health while in a relationship. The other beneficiaries of this study are the parents and teachers who want to
guide their children how to avoid being gaslighted by their partners. In addition, future researchers can also
benefit from this study, since this study contains information regarding gaslighting that they can use in their
future research papers about the same topic. This study can offer important insights into the prevalence and
effects of romantic gaslighting among teenagers by exploring the differences in awareness and knowledge of
romantic gaslighting between students who have experienced gaslighting in a romantic relationship and those
who have not. In general, educators, parents, and mental health professionals can better support adolescents
in their relationships and encourage healthy and respectful practices by recognizing the level of awareness and
comprehension of romantic gaslighting among teenagers.
Meanwhile, the study's title “Exploring the Awareness and Understanding of Romantic Gaslighting among
Senior High School Students in Golden Faith Academy: A Causal-Comparative Study” passes the FECS
characteristics. The study is feasible due to the accessibility of participants and previous research on
gaslighting and teen dating violence. The study's design also allows for comparisons to be made between
groups, making it more feasible to draw conclusions about the relationships between variables. Proper ethical
considerations can be taken to address the sensitive subject matter. With proper informed consent procedures
and safeguards in place, it is feasible to conduct this study ethically. The study's title is also clear and specific,
making it easier to understand the research question and variables. It specifies the target population (Grade 11
and 12 students in GFA) and the specific phenomenon being investigated (romantic gaslighting). The
independent and dependent variables are also included. This specificity helps to ensure that the study's
findings are relevant and meaningful. Most importantly, it is significant as it sheds light on the prevalence and
impact of gaslighting in teenage romantic relationships, the need for healthy relationship interventions, and the
role of gender in dating violence. It addresses existing knowledge gaps, hence, the research is unique and
important in increasing awareness of the phenomenon and related variables. Overall, the study meets FECS
requirements and has a specific and realistic scope.

REFERENCES

ABS-CBN News. (2022, July 14). Former students detail abuse, harassment at PHSA. ABS-CBN News.
Retrieved March 9, 2023, from
https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/07/14/22/former-students-detail-abuse-harassment-at-phsa

Espelage, D. L., Hong, J. S., Hunt, K. E., Robinson, L. E., & Valido, A. (2022). Teen Dating Violence
Victimization: Associations Among Peer Justification, Attitudes Toward Gender Inequality, Sexual Activity, and
Peer Victimization. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(9–10). https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221085015
[Sage Journal]

Francis, L., & Pearson, D. (2021). The Recognition of Emotional Abuse: Adolescents’ Responses to Warning
Signs in Romantic Relationships. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519850537
[pdf]

Karakurt, G., & Silver, K. E. (2013, December 31). Emotional abuse in intimate relationships: The role of
gender and age. NCBI. Retrieved March 11, 2023, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876290/

Kwon, S., Oh, J., Soo, I. L., & Tan, K. T. (2017). Filipino emerging adults in romantic relationships: Determining
relationship satisfaction through their partner's scores on the big five personality theory. Retrieved from
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/8262

Sweet, P. L. (2019). The Sociology of Gaslighting. American Sociological Review, 84(5).

https://doi.org/10.1177/0003122419874843