A revealing new study conducted by academic teams at the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra has spotlighted the profound psychological impacts that ghosting and gaslighting can have—especially among young adults negotiating today’s digitally-driven relationship landscape. The findings forge important connections between the surge of online communication and risks to mental health, and they carry sobering implications for individuals across Thailand navigating similar social terrains.
According to the research, which surveyed 544 adults aged 18 to 40 in the UK, both ghosting—the act of abruptly ending all communication without explanation—and gaslighting—a psychological manipulation tactic that leads individuals to doubt their reality—were shown to trigger mental health symptoms such as depression and paranoid thinking. The study’s methodology accounted for variables like age, income, and personality traits, including sensitivity to rejection and uncertainty, which are themselves recognized as risk factors for mental distress.
Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton and co-author of the study, emphasized how digital communication is amplifying these problematic behaviors: “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.” (The Independent)
Notably, the study highlighted that both ghosting and various forms of coercive control—where one partner attempts to govern the behavior or routine of another—significantly increased feelings of paranoia. Gaslighting, meanwhile, was particularly associated with symptoms of depression. The effect was most acute among younger adults and those with lower incomes, signaling a troubling intersection between social vulnerabilities and abusive relationship pressures.
For Thai society, where digital dating platforms have become increasingly popular and where collectivist cultural values place a premium on harmonious relationships, these findings carry particular resonance. The research underscores the fact that psychological abuse in relationships, even when no physical violence is present, can erode mental wellbeing. This is a crucial consideration for Thailand’s mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers, who are already contending with rising concerns about youth mental health and online harms (Bangkok Post).
Dr. An assistant professor in counselling psychology at a leading Thai university, not involved in the UK study, noted, “Concepts like ghosting and gaslighting may originate from Western discourse, but their effects are visible among Thai youth, particularly those using Line, Facebook, or Tinder for social connections. We see increasing numbers of clients reporting anxiety, self-doubt and depressive symptoms linked to sudden loss of relationships or manipulative interactions online.”
The renewed academic focus on non-physical abuse aligns with broader Thai discussions on preventing intimate partner violence. In recent years, mental health campaigns led by the Ministry of Public Health have begun addressing emotional mistreatment, recognizing the role of psychological trauma in depression and suicide risk among Thailand’s young people (Ministry of Public Health Thailand).
The UK study’s authors advocate for psychological interventions—particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)—to bolster resilience and self-esteem among those exposed to ghosting or gaslighting. CBT’s evidence-based strategies for managing distress are already deployed in Thailand’s hospital outpatient services and urban mental health clinics, though awareness and accessibility remain limited outside metropolitan areas (PubMed). Targeted awareness campaigns in Thai schools and universities could help students recognize subtle forms of interpersonal harm, encouraging early help-seeking behavior.
These developments also open dialogue about the structural factors contributing to vulnerability. Thailand’s surging rate of smartphone penetration and the normalization of digital dating mean that online relationship breakdowns will likely become more prevalent, making education on healthy digital communication critical. At the same time, the stigma attached to seeking mental health support—especially for issues perceived as “minor” or “personal”—remains a hurdle to effective intervention in Thailand’s rural provinces.
Historically, Thai culture has prized maintaining “face” and conflict avoidance, which sometimes leads young adults to disengage from difficult relationships through avoidance rather than open communication. This parallels the behavior of ghosting, albeit without the Anglicized terminology. The traditional value of kreng jai (a sense of deference and reluctance to impose on others) can unintentionally fuel patterns of emotional disengagement that, according to the study’s findings, may increase psychological distress.
Looking forward, the proliferation of digital communication platforms in Thailand—coupled with a cultural shift toward discussing mental health more openly—offers an important opportunity for early intervention and prevention. Schools, universities, and employers can support the mental wellbeing of youth and young adults by integrating relationship health education into their programming, normalizing conversations around psychological abuse, and ensuring access to trauma-informed counselling services.
For Thai readers navigating the world of online dating or supporting loved ones in romantic relationships, the study’s take-home message is clear: if you experience abrupt emotional withdrawal (ghosting), persistent self-doubt instigated by a partner (gaslighting), or patterns of manipulative control, seek support from trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional. Practicing self-compassion, building digital boundaries, and increasing digital literacy can foster greater resilience in the face of subtle but serious relationship harms.
For further reading and support, Thai readers can access resources from the Mental Health Department of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (กรมสุขภาพจิต) and international helplines like the Samaritans of Thailand (Samaritans Thailand).