Concept, Contextualization, and Administrative Strategies to Address Workplace Gaslighting in Health Services. A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction. Institutional responsibility is increasingly recognised in management practices that may foster workplace harassment, including within health centres and services. Objetive. To conceptualise and identify gaslighting as a form of workplace harassment with a destructive impact on workers and health institutions, and to determine strategies for addressing it in the administration of health services. Method. A systematic review was conducted on the PubMed and Google Scholar platforms, selecting relevant publications based on specific criteria aligned with the objectives of the study. Results. In the workplace, gaslighting is perceived as a form of psychological manipulation perpetrated by leaders, supervisors, or groups to control and undermine one or more coworkers. It is characterised by the delegitimization of the victim’s perceptions and discourse, with the aggressor’s authority serving as the central axis. Women are most frequently targeted, and the aggressors are predominantly men. The causes of gaslighting often stem from individual and organizational factors. Ultimately, the institution and its associated individuals also become victims of this behaviour, as it undermines employee commitment and hinders continuous improvement, innovation, and growth. Addressing this issue involves promoting a culture of open communication and a healthy work environment, fostering gender equality, providing training and awareness, implementing clear policies, encouraging management development, and ensuring the commitment of senior leadership. Conclusion. In healthcare workplaces, gaslighting significantly undermines the productivity of victims and often goes unnoticed, even by those affected. This underscores the critical importance of implementing effective management practices and prevention strategies to address and mitigate such situations.