Ghosting romántico, gaslighting y el impacto en el bienestar emocional de estudiantes de tercer nivel de 18 a 30 años del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito en el periodo 2025

Abstract

This research addresses, from a social and psychological perspective, the communication phenomena in relationships: ghosting and gaslighting. Ghosting is understood as the sudden and unexplained interruption of communication, while gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation that distorts the victim's perception of reality, considering its impact on emotional well-being. The sample consisted of 100 third-level students, between 18 and 30 years old, residing in the Metropolitan District of Quito during the period 2024. The quantitative methodology allowed for the collection of statistical data through the virtual application of validated instruments: the Romantic Ghosting Scale (RG-C), the Victim Gaslighting Questionnaire (VGQ), and the Subjective Well-Being Scale (EBS-8). These tools facilitated the assessment of the presence and incidence of the studied phenomena, providing relevant data on their correlation with emotional well-being. The results show a low, negative correlation between ghosting and emotional well-being, suggesting that participants do not report significant psychological distress from this experience. In contrast, in the case of gaslighting, a low but positive correlation was found with emotional well-being, indicating that those who have experienced this form of manipulation report moderate levels of the phenomenon and a greater propensity for emotional impact.