What is Passive-Aggressive Behavior?

Known clinically as the Negativistic Personality Disorder, here are the "symptoms" of passive-aggressive behavior (from Appendix B of the DSM IV)

• Passive Resistance (Procrastination, Inefficiency) to Fulfilling Occupational Tasks
• Complaints of Being Misunderstood, Unappreciated, Victimized
• Sullenness, Irritability, and Argumentativeness in Response to Expectations
• Angry and Pessimistic Attitudes Toward a Variety of Events
• Unreasonable Criticism and Scorn Toward Those in Authority
• Envy and Resentment Toward Those who are More Fortunate
• Inclined to Whine and Grumble about Being “Jinxed”
• Alternating Behavior Between Hostile Assertion of Personal Autonomy and Dependent Contrition

I dare you to watch one of these characters in action. Or, rather, in-action.

As you watch, keep in mind that I can't be held responsible for any damage or injury you might cause to surrounding furniture or pets.

We know these people. We work with them. We are them.

Passive-aggressive behavior is everywhere, a fact of life. Nothing can be done about it, right?

Wrong.

                   

 

Passive-aggressive behavior is a choice. As with any socially maladaptive "bad" behavior, passive-aggressive habits can be identified and "broken," in others and in ourselves.