Passive aggression is a way of expressing negative feelings, such as anger or annoyance, indirectly instead of directly. Passive-aggressive behaviors are often difficult to identify and can sabotage relationships at home and at work.
What Is Passive-Aggression? (Plain Language Explanation)
Passive-Aggression refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Passive-Aggression
- Symptoms: The specific ways passive-aggression shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen passive-aggression
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When passive-aggression occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Passive-Aggression
- Passive-Aggression is far more common than most people realize
- Passive-Aggression is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with passive-aggression see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about passive-aggression is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing passive-aggression, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.