Research reveals young adults most at risk from mental health effects of ghosting and gaslighting

While terms like ghosting and gaslighting have become part of the cultural conversation in recent years, their psychological effects have remained largely unstudied – until now.

Co-led by researchers at the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra in Portugal, this pioneering new study is one of the first to examine the real mental health toll of these increasingly common experiences in romantic relationships.

The research, which surveyed 544 adults aged 18 to 40 in the UK, explored how these subtle but damaging behaviours – such as suddenly cutting off all contact, manipulating someone to question their own reality, or attempting to control a partner’s routine – are connected to mental health issues like depression and paranoid thinking.

The research revealed clear links between these behaviours and poor mental health outcomes. Ghosting and coercive control were both linked to increased feelings of paranoia, while gaslighting was found to be associated with symptoms of depression. These effects remained even after accounting for people’s age, income, and individual personality traits like rejection sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty – two traits also strongly associated with poor mental health.

The researchers also investigated why people might behave this way. In some cases, or groups, it seems that ghosting could be used to avoid conflict or out of a sense of self-protection – hinting that motivations may vary depending on the situation.

The study examined demographic differences in both experience and impact – comparing younger vs. older adults, LGB vs. heterosexual individuals, and religious vs. non-religious participants – to better understand who may be more vulnerable to the negative mental health effects of these behaviours.

The study found that younger people and those with lower incomes were particularly at risk of experiencing poor mental health linked to these behaviours. This adds to growing concern that dating app culture and digital communication – while offering convenience and connection – may also be contributing to a quieter mental health crisis.

Professor Rusi Jaspal, co-author and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) at the University of Brighton, said:

“The digital age has provided enormous opportunity for social connections but also comes with some risks. Ghosting, in particular, is almost exclusively enacted in online settings. As the use of social media and dating apps grows, so too does the risk of encountering harmful behaviours like ghosting, which our research links to poorer mental health outcomes. Younger adults appear to be at greater risk and must be supported. At the University of Brighton, we are dedicated to understanding and addressing the mental health needs of diverse communities in a rapidly changing digital landscape.” 

Dr Barbara Lopes, co-author from the University of Coimbra’s Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention, added:

"Ghosting, gaslighting, and coercion are very common relationship behaviours, but their association with mental health is poorly understood. As a clinical psychologist, I was interested in studying how exposure to such behaviours may be associated with paranoia – which is marked by beliefs of intentional harm from others, difficulties in relationships, and a lack of trust – all of which can be damaging to mental health. Our research shows that ghosting and coercion are associated with paranoia, and we hope that our findings could help inform the development of preventive interventions." 

Crucially, the researchers say that more should be done to raise awareness of the emotional impact of these behaviours and to ensure psychological support is available for those affected.

Interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could help individuals manage the distress associated with experiences like ghosting or gaslighting, by building resilience, self-esteem and coping strategies.

This new study highlights how experiences in romantic relationships – even those that don’t involve physical violence – can seriously affect mental wellbeing, and why relationship education and support need to evolve to reflect the realities of modern dating.

The research, titled ‘Exposure to Ghosting, Gaslighting and Coercion and Mental Health Outcomes’, was co-led by Professor Rusi Jaspal at the University of Brighton and Dr Barbara Lopes at the University of Coimbra in Portugal.

This study reflects the University of Brighton’s ongoing commitment to tackling contemporary mental health challenges through impactful, socially relevant research.

By exploring the psychological effects of increasingly common dating behaviours, the University continues to lead conversations around emotional wellbeing in modern life – and to support evidence-based solutions that make a difference in everyday relationships.