Validation and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Gaslighting at Work Questionnaire

This study aimed to translate the Gaslighting at Work Questionnaire (GWQ) into Korean and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version (K-GWQ) among Korean employees working under supervisors.

The GWQ was translated and culturally adapted into Korean following World Health Organization's translation guidelines. Face validity was examined through pretesting with 10 employees. A convenience sample of 440 employees working under supervisors participated in this study. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), with convergent validity assessed. Internal consistency reliability was evaluated.

Exploratory factor analysis revealed a single-factor structure for the 12-item K-GWQ, representing "workplace gaslighting" and accounting for 67.3% of the total variance. CFA demonstrated acceptable model fit (χ²/df = 2.32, comparative fit index = .93, Tucker-Lewis index = .92, root mean square error of approximation = .08, standardized root mean square residuals = .04). Convergent validity was supported by significant positive correlations with workplace bullying, role conflict and ambiguity, and depression. The K-GWQ showed excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach's α of .97 and a McDonald's omega of .95.

The K-GWQ was verified as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing workplace gaslighting among Korean employees working under supervisors. This instrument can be used as an assessment and research tool to identify potential gaslighting behaviors and to provide empirical evidence linking emotional manipulation to employee outcomes such as mental health, burnout, and turnover intention.