Unveiling the Subtle Nature of Passive Aggressive Behaviors

Events and people arouse feeling. Feeling motivates action. Yet, emotion is complex and often uncomfortable. Frustration, sadness and anger overload our system and we react in unhealthy retreat or attack. Some reactions are covert, disguised to protect. Particularly in anger, we may express our upset in secretive and maladaptive ways. One of these methods is through passive aggressive behaviors. Passive aggressive responses exchange open assertive expressions for more subtle and often hurtful behaviors.

Passive aggressive behaviors are a means for expressing anger in a socially tolerated way. The passive aggressive tactic is theorized to express internal frustrations of dependence on someone to fulfill core needs and anger over their failure to satisfy those desires.

Introduction: Feeling and Expressing Anger

Discomfort and frustration are normal responses to impeded efforts to satisfy needs. When blame is placed on our selves or others for roles played in thwarting goal obtainment, we often experience anger. Anger is frightening. The heightened arousal often motivates damaging behaviors. Passive aggressive behaviors often unconsciously express anger and hostility in a manner that is less direct, designed to protect the relationship.

Les Carter explains in his excellent book on anger that, “There are times when openly aggressive anger only creates more problems than it solves.” Carter continues, “Instead of handling anger constructively or respectfully, however, many of these people manage their anger in a sly, underground way that still indicates low regard toward others. Knowing that loud or obnoxious expression of anger leaves them vulnerable to the rejection of others, they become passive while still engaging adversarially with the person who is the object of their anger” (Carter, 2009).

​History of Passive Aggressive  Personality Disorder

Passive-aggressive personality disorder can be traced back to World War II. The disorder was used in a 1945 U.S. War Department technical  bulletin to describe soldiers who eluded duty. expressing opposition to authority figures, not by directly defying orders, but through procrastination and passive obstruction (Laverdière, et al., 2019). Passive aggressive behavior originally included in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders aa a personality disorder was later removed. However, the passive aggressive behavior is still widely recognized as a clinical problem (McCann, 1988).

Beyond passive aggressive behavior’s inclusion as a personality disorder in early psychiatric nomenclature, it has been included as an immature defense mechanism, a personality trait and a maladaptive coping style.

​DSM and Passive Aggressive Personality Disorder

The term was included in the first issue of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-I) in 1952. DSM defines passive aggressive personality disorder by a set of behaviors “capturing indirectly expressed non-compliance, with symptoms such as obstructionism, pouting, procrastination, intentional inefficiency, and stubbornness, presumably reflecting hostility that the individual would not dare express directly” (Laverdière, et al., 2019).

Passive-aggressive continued as a personality disorder listed in later DSM editions through the publication of DSM-III-R. Practitioners and research committee noted that the passive Aggressive disorder was least supportable for inclusion in DSM-IV (Millon, 1993). Many of the narrowly defined traits of early definitions of  passive-aggressive personality disorders were encompassed in the negativistic personality disorder. Passive aggressive personality disorder was reclassified to appendix-B as not an officially recognized personality disorder, warranting further investigations (Laverdière, et al., 2019). 

Passive-aggressive personality disorder was not included in later editions of the DSM.​​

Passive Aggressive Behaviors as a Defense Mechanism

George Vaillant viewed passive-aggression as a defense mechanism, not as a personality disorder (Vaillant, 1998). The need for a protective defense is employed to resolve intrapsychic conflicts “between guilt over dependence on others and anger over frustration in not getting needs met.” Joseph T. McCann, PsyD. explains that the “angry and hostile feelings are defended against by their expression in passive and indirect ways” (McCann, 1988). 

In essence, the passive aggressive behavior defends against anger caused by cognitive dissonance between need for dependence on others to satisfy core desires and guilt over lack of autonomous ability to secure them for one’s self. Internal conflicts, as the theory goes, disrupts homeostatic balance. We operate best when our realities march together. When different aspects of our lives conflict, we seek resolution. We often do this though mechanisms that smooth over the conflict.

Passive aggressive behaviors do just that. They behavior allows for the expression if anger without admitting we are angry. Often the heart of the internal friction mobilizing passive aggressive words and behaviors is a basic “conflict over dependency , which is resented, and autonomy, which is feared.” They add, “This conflict between expressing resentment and wishing to be accepted and admired leads to angry outbursts and impulsive and manipulative behaviors” (Laverdière, et al., 2019). 

Psychologists consider Passive aggressive behavior an immature defense because it fails to effectively solve conflicts. Passive aggressive behaviors contributes to continued suppression of emotion, avoidance of emotional conflicts, and impaired interpersonal problem solving skills (Schanz, et al., 2021).​ Vaillant explains that through healthy development “passive aggression is often given up in favor of displacement, reaction formation, and altruism” (Vaillant, 1998).

Maladaptive Expressions of Anger

​The heightened arousal associated with anger is problematic for many people. Expressing of heightened emotions often cascades into defensive reactions from the object of our anger, as they protect their own ego from perceived attacks. Healthy expressions and skilled interpersonal communication requires emotional intelligence and productive emotional regulation.

Because of painful consequences from communicating anger, some repress feelings of anger, denying their anger altogether. Others fail to develop skills in this key element for successful interpersonal relations and adopt unhealthy patterns of exploding into a heated attack or maneuvering slyly through passive aggressive words and behaviors. Carter writes, “In general, there are three categories of behavior that typify people who are trapped in non-productive use of anger: suppression of anger, openly aggressive anger, and passive-aggressive anger” (Carter, 2009).

Any expression of anger that fails to address the underlying problem is maladaptive. The maladaptive behavior may provide limited release but fall short of creating long term solutions.

Common Passive Aggressive Behaviors

​We can passively express anger in a number of ways. This is a list of behaviors common to the passive aggressive pattern:

• Punishing through the silent treatment, knowing that the other person is waiting for a response.
• Making lame excuses to avoid activities you do not want to do 
• Procrastinating and stalling ultimately failing to complete a project or assignment someone expected you to accomplish
• Saying yes or agreeing to do something that you know you are unlikely to do
• Doing tasks in a manner that you know will disrupt others 
• Complaining about people behind their back instead of openly expressing displeasures
• Saying whatever the other person wants to hear, and then doing whatever you feel like doing 
• Being evasive, omitting pertinent information to prevent directions or opinions you won’t follow
• Giving half-hearted effort  
• Putting on a good act in front of authority figures, and then acting rebellious when out of their presence 
• Purposely sabotaging efforts to fulfill a request.

Examples of Passive Aggressive Behavior

• Proclaiming you are not angry and then slamming the door as you leave.
• Using indirect statements, “no one cares about helping stupid old ladies anymore. I can’t blame them, what a hassle.”
• Doing something designed as an act of kindness but purposely dismissing known preferences. “I’m sorry. I could swear you told me you liked rocky road ice cream.”
• Purposely bringing up issues, behaving in ways, or starting arguments that will arouse the other. “I found the cutest outfit at the store while you were working late.”

Passive Aggressive Behavior and Manipulation

Passive aggressive expressions of anger are exploitive, manipulating targets, and disrespectful. Aggression is any behavior intended to cause harm, whether directly or indirectly (Schanz, 2021). The active aggression attacks in openness. Hurtful and destructive.

Passive aggressive attacks are done in the dark, shrouded in enough ambiguousness that reactions to the vicious, quiet attacks of omission or disguised messages are interpreted as inappropriate. Passive aggressiveness is a gaslighting of sorts. The underlying goal is to express hostile aggression without facing any retaliatory consequence. A sarcastic dig such as, “You look wonderful,” combined with a mocking voice and rolling eyes directly attacks with impunity, but when objected to, the narrative changes. “Can’t I compliment you without being treated like an enemy?”

​Carter wrote that, “People who use passive-aggressive forms of anger are perhaps the most controlling of all because they are adept at manipulating circumstances with the least amount of vulnerability” (Carter, 2009). ​

Causes of Passive Aggressive Behavior

​There is no single cause for the development of behavioral tics. Almost all personality, behavioral, or illnesses spring from multiple causes. Biology and environments intricately intertwine, creating observed behaviors. Those behaviors continue to influence environments, that impact functioning in a complex and dynamic way.

We know that biologically we inherit genetic profiles. Behaviors aren’t predetermined but vulnerabilities are. T. Franklin Murphy explains, “Our DNA sequences do not unbudgingly create who we are. A gene is subject to external influences that may activate gene expression” (Murphy, 2021). A landmark study by Meaney and colleagues theorized that, “Early experience permanently alters behavior and physiology. These effects are, in part, mediated by sustained alterations in gene expression in selected brain regions” (Meaniey et. al., 2005).

While we can’t deconstruct the causes, identifying every specific condition leading to passive aggressive behaviors, we can identify certain associated conditions that contribute to the dysfunction.

​Toxic Childhood Environment

Many childhood homes limit honest communication. Anger is not acceptable because the parent lacks the emotional maturity to process the discomforting emotion themselves. A child with a history of toxic home environment where caregivers reject the child’s emotional expressions, and fail to validate or attune, the child quickly learns that it is not safe to be open. The child buries the things that bother to maintain the peace. They can’t express their anger. When a child suppressed an emotion in childhood, the practice commonly reappears as passive-aggressiveness in later years (Carter, 2009).

​​Behavioral Learning from Positive Reinforcement

In harsh environments, other punish expressed anger. Subsequently, a child (or an adult) may learn that less obvious expressions of anger go unpunished, releasing anger and minimizing vulnerability. These small rewards may condition continued use and expansion of passive-aggressive behaviors.

Carter explains, “​Once people enter a pattern of using passive anger, they can feel strongly rewarded for their behavior as it becomes clear that their passivity is far more controlling than openly aggressive anger” (Carter, 2009).

​Fear of Rejection

Fear of rejection is a powerful emotion that frequently accompanies passive aggressive behaviors. When individuals experience feelings of anger or frustration, the prospect of expressing these emotions openly can feel daunting. This vulnerability often leads to a heightened awareness of how others might respond to their assertive expressions. The fear that their feelings may be dismissed or invalidated can create a significant barrier to honest communication. As a result, instead of confronting their emotions directly, many choose to retreat into safer but less constructive forms of expression—namely, passive aggression. This avoidance strategy allows them to sidestep potential conflict while simultaneously preserving an illusion of compliance.

In this context, the choice between openness and passive aggression becomes a self-protective mechanism. By opting for indirect methods of expression, individuals may believe they are safeguarding themselves from judgment and emotional pain; however, this behavior often perpetuates unhealthy dynamics in relationships. Over time, relying on passive aggressive tactics not only stifles genuine emotional connection but also fosters resentment and misunderstanding between parties involved. The inability to express one’s true feelings creates further isolation and disconnection, ultimately reinforcing the very fears they sought to avoid initially. To break this cycle, it is essential for individuals grappling with such fears to develop healthier communication strategies that promote assertiveness while allowing for authentic emotional expression without the looming threat of rejection.

​Difficulty Expressing Emotions

Assertively expressing anger in openness is not simple. Aristotle wisely commented, “anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.”

Expressing emotions requires first we have a granular understanding of what we are feeling first, second we must have clarity of the surrounding context, and third we must have empathy and understanding for the object of our anger. Only through clarity can we hope to express our feelings in a way that has a high probability of a successful outcome. This takes practice, vulnerability, and cognitive effort. Many choose to bypass the difficult path and cheat through passive aggressive shortcuts.

Passive Aggressive Behavior

​Kendra Cherry offers encouragement. She wrote, “If you feel that passive-aggressive behavior is damaging your relationships, there are steps you can take to change how you relate to others” (Cherry, 2019). Carter agrees with Cherry. He explains, “Once you reach the adult years, it is possible to make a powerful adjustment to your management of anger so that it does not have to result in ongoing pain and tension” (Carter, 2009).

Just as epigenetics applies to learning maladaptive behaviors it can be utilized in adopting new, better habits. Nevertheless, we can rewire our brains, learn new skills, and thrive through healthier expressions of anger.

Change requires patience, resources, and willingness to suffer some setbacks.

• Start with mindful attention. We can’t change unconscious patterns until we bring them to the light. We must check-in with our emotions. Most people can delve into the world of feeling with practice, understanding feeling on a more granular level. Unless, of course, the emotional disconnection is a biological problem such as alexithymia. 
• Patience is essential for change. Patterns of expression are automatic. We respond in passive aggressive ways without thought or effort. Changing automatic processes takes months and even, sometimes, years of effort. New behaviors always suffer occasional setbacks that we must resiliently push past, learning from our stumble, and utilizing the wisdom.
• We can’t change alone. We need supportive others, professional guidance, and accountability.

Associated Concepts

• Intentions to Hurt: Sometimes an underlying motive is consciously laced with meanness with the intention to cause emotional harm.
• Emotional Integrity: refers to the alignment and consistency between a person’s emotions, thoughts, and actions. It involves being true to oneself and expressing emotions authentically, while also considering the impact of those emotions on others.
• Avoidance: Avoiding direct confrontation or communication, sometimes by giving the silent treatment or using sarcasm.
• Emotional Abuse: This is a pattern of behavior aimed at gaining power and control over another person through the use of emotions. It can involve undermining an individual’s self-worth, manipulating their emotions, or subjecting them to constant criticism, blame, or humiliation.
• Subtle Insults: Expressing negative feelings through backhanded compliments or subtle digs.
• Control Issues: Exerting control in an indirect way, such as by sabotaging others’ efforts or being deliberately inefficient.
• Repressed Anger: Deep-seated anger or hostility that is not comfortably expressed directly may lead to passive-aggressive actions.

​A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

​An early topic of interest and research here at flourishing life society was personal deceptions. Passive aggressive behavior is a dangerous deception. With passive aggressive behaviors, we not only deceive others, but we deceive ourselves. We miss key information in our environments that is necessary for personal development. Our inability to assess our own emotions, along with the missed opportunities to honestly connect with others leads to broken relationships, habitual feelings of victimization, and repeated traumas.

As I have noted, we can move past this maladaptive defense, adopt better ways to express anger, and enjoy healthier connections. However, we can only work on what we can see. Improvements require deep reflection and often the help of an objective outside source.

Last Update: May 27, 2025

Resources:

Carter, Les (2009). The Anger Trap: Free Yourself from the Frustrations that Sabotage Your Life. Jossey-Bass; 1st edition.

Cherry, Kendra (2019). What Is Passive-Aggressive Behavior? Verywellmind. Published: 9-18-2019; Accessed: 3-1-2022.

Lane, Christopher (2009). The Surprising History of Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder. Theory & Psychology, 19(1), 55-70. DOI: 10.1177/0959354308101419

Laverdière, O., Ogrodniczuk, J., & Kealy, D. (2019). Interpersonal Problems Associated With Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 207(10), 820-825. DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001044

Martel, Janelle; Raypole, Crystal  (2021).  How to Recognize (and Handle) Passive-Aggressive Behavior. Healthline. Published: 11-18-2021; Accessed: 3-1-2022.

McCann, Joseph T. (1988). Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder: A Review. Journal of Personality Disorders, 2(2), 170-179. DOI: 10.1521/pedi.1988.2.2.170

​​Meaney, Michael J.; Szyf, Moshe (2005). Environmental programming of stress responses through DNA methylation: life at the interface between a dynamic environment and a fixed genome. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 7(2), 103-123. DOI: 10.1521/pedi.1993.7.1.78

Millon, Theodore (1993). Negativistic (Passive-Aggressive) Personality Disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 7(1), 78-85. DOI: 10.1521/pedi.1993.7.1.78

Murphy, T. Franklin (2021). Epigenetics. Psychology Fanatic. Published: 11-9-2021; Accessed: 3-2-2022.

Rabkin, Leslie Y. (1965). Passive Aggressiveness and Learning. Exceptional Children, 32(1), 1-3. DOI: 10.1177/001440296503200101

Regan, Sarah (2021) 11 Passive-Aggressive Behaviors and How to Handle them form the Experts. Mind Body Green. Published: 2-24-2021; Accessed: 3-1-2022.

Schanz, C., Equit, M., Schäfer, S., Käfer, M., Mattheus, H., & Michael, T. (2021). Development and Psychometric Properties of the Test of Passive Aggression. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.579183

Vaillant, George E. (1998) Adaptation to Life. Harvard University Press; Reprint edition.