GASLIGHTING, PARENTING STYLES, AND THE MENTAL HEALTH OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study aims to identify the level of gaslighting, parenting style, and mental health of secondary school students in Malaysia. Gaslighting, as a hidden form of psychological manipulation, can have a negative impact on the mental well-being of adolescents. Parenting styles, especially those of a negative nature such as authoritarian and permissive, have also been identified as risk factors for mental health problems. A total of 273 secondary school students in the Petaling Perdana district, Malaysia were selected as respondents to this study. Data were collected using questionnaires consisting of the Victim Gaslighting Questionnaire (VGQ), Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Descriptive analysis is used to analyse the data.  The results showed that the mental health of pupils was reported to be at a normal level, however, there were a large number of those who experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Gaslighting among secondary school students has been detected to be at an alarming level and needs to be paid attention to by the relevant authorities. Authoritative parenting style is described as the most dominant parenting style practice among parents of secondary school students. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of family relationships that affect adolescent mental health and can be used to plan more effective interventions and support programmes.