What Is Passive-Aggressiveness?

1086 Words3 Pages

Ever hear the famous words “fine, whatever” or “don’t act so serious, I was only kidding”? Of course, on average an individual expresses passive-aggressive behavior 3-8 times through the day (Whitson). This behavior can be defined as: a “defense mechanism that allows people who aren't comfortable being openly aggressive get what they want under the guise of still trying to please others” (Urban Dictionary). Passive-aggressive behavior provides only negative outcomes and should be considered as an emotional disorder because it/they makes people emotional unstable, can affect relationships with others, and makes people afraid of challenges/conflicts and change. A person with passive-aggressiveness tends to do poorly in having effective relationships.
This is learned from home life that a person experienced as a child. As a passive-aggressive adult, a person would have grown up to believe that speaking their truth, or simply saying ‘no’ to something wrong, is dangerous, and will “jeopardize their chance to receive love and affection from their parents or caregivers” (Seltzer). Meaning that the real feelings or emotions never present itself through the person because he/she is afraid to express him or herself. Growing up with either strict regulations or regimented laws, and no chances at personal adventures that expresses the person. Not only is passive-aggressive behavior effective to the person it also emotionally affects others. For example, in a work environment, a co-worker has idea that a person does not agree with. Instead of saying that they think they have a better idea or does not agree with, that person will just agree with it. Later on, the person starts missing deadlines or comes up with excuses of not “having the time” to do it. This affects the co-worker because, then the co-worker will have to change to please that person and possibly start all over, which causes stress and anger. This is called “underhanded sabotage”, where a person “purposely undermine tasks, projects, activities, deadlines or agreements. Causing harm or loss materially” (Ni). Mentioned before,

More about What Is Passive-Aggressiveness?

Open Document