Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, provides a neuroscience framework that explains many aspects of passive-aggression in terms of the nervous system's safety-detection mechanisms.
The Three States of Polyvagal Theory and Passive-Aggression
Ventral vagal (safe and social): Optimal state for connection, learning, and passive-aggression management
Sympathetic mobilization (fight or flight): Anxiety-type passive-aggression responses
Dorsal vagal shutdown (freeze/collapse): Depression and dissociation-type passive-aggression
Neuroception and Passive-Aggression
Neuroception — the body's unconscious safety-detection — can be dysregulated in passive-aggression, causing false alarms (sensing danger when safe) that drive passive-aggression responses.
Polyvagal-Informed Passive-Aggression Treatment
Therapy that acknowledges the body's state — helping clients move into ventral vagal 'safe and social' — transforms passive-aggression management.
Safe relationships, co-regulation, and body-based practices are particularly emphasized.