We all experience troubles in communication and relationships. Sometimes, those troubles involve inadequate communication styles. Passive-aggressive communication, for instance, involves hidden expressions of frustration and hostility, making it increasingly important to learn how to deal with passive aggressive behavior someone is showing.
Most people find it challenging to face someone who´s passively aggressive, and it does not come naturally. The majority need to practice dealing with passive-aggressive people. Fortunately, you can start developing your reactive and communication skills with the help of Time Wellness Arkansas mental health center professionals. Here is some valuable advice that will empower you to take a stand and set healthy boundaries, ensuring your mental health does not suffer.
What is Passive-Aggressive Behavior?
Passive-aggressive behavior is a form of communication or acting in which individuals express their negative feelings (e.g., anger, frustration, dissatisfaction, hostility) indirectly and unassertively instead of openly talking about them. It occurs when a person cannot express these feelings freely.
This can happen at school. Someone who´s unhappy with their project group can constantly be late delivering their part of the task. It can also happen at work and in a similar fashion. For instance, someone who is frustrated about their salary might intentionally decrease their efficiency. Passive-aggressive behavior can take place in relationships as well. A frustrated partner can make poor comments about their partner.
Some examples of passive-aggressive behavior are:
- Ignoring someone
- Avoiding responsibility
- Procrastinating
- Missing deadlines
- Making derogatory remarks
- Giving backhanded compliments
- Withholding critical information
- Having a sarcastic or argumentative attitude
- Routinely complaining about feeling underappreciated
How to deal with passive aggressive people becomes a very important question once their behavior starts impacting and deteriorating your mental health. Seeking professional help is sometimes necessary, not just to acquire skills to manage situations involving passive-aggressive behavior but also to mitigate the negative effects, like anxiety.
How to Deal with Passive-Aggressive People
There are quite a few strategies for how to deal with passive aggressive people. Employing only one of them is often insufficient, but you can choose a combination of different actions. Here are some suggestions:
- Stay calm. Someone´s passive-aggressive behavior is usually triggering, but maintaining composure and avoiding acting angrily can tame the situation. Acting in the same way as the passive-aggressive individual can be a sign for them to keep passive-aggressive communication alive.
- Address their behavior. Be assertive, but address their inappropriate behavior and share how it impacts you. Make it clear that their communication and actions are not serving anything but cause problems.
- Set boundaries. Communicate your boundaries. Ensure it´s known what the expectations for behavior and communication are and the consequences of not honoring your boundaries.
- Seek support. If needed, include a mediator or someone who knows how to deal with passive aggressive behavior. Their intervention can aid the situation or help people cope with it.
Seeking support can come in the form of psychotherapy, which can provide tools and strategies for managing passive aggression. It might be mentally exhausting to take these steps, especially if you haven´t had the chance to develop the necessary skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach and a part of Arkansas Mental Health Services that can help you acquire the necessary skills.
How to Deal with a Passive-Aggressive Man
Numerous studies have found that men and women differ in communication styles, with men being more assertive and aggressive and women being more passive and passive-aggressive. However, research also suggests that men use sarcasm more than women and use pleasant words when wanting to offend someone, implying that their communication can be very passively aggressive. There are also indications that passive-aggressive men are typically those who are expected to fulfill supposed traditional male roles but are unable or unwilling to do so.
If you need to deal with a passive-aggressive partner, you might need a different set of skills to work on your dynamic. Couples therapy or counseling might be the answer to the question of how to deal with a passive-aggressive person. Couples may struggle with how to start therapy in Arkansas, but once they opt for it, their communication and overall dynamic improve.
The Role of Personality Disorders in Passive-Aggressive Behavior
While passive-aggressive behavior can be a stand-alone problem, it may also be a symptom of different types of personality disorders. Borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder are known to have this maladaptive communication and acting style as part of their symptomatology. Some narcissists utilize passive-aggressive tactics as a primary way of fulfilling their selfish needs, and they might express hostility in a passive-aggressive way when they don´t get those needs fulfilled.
Passive-aggressive personality disorder (PAPD) has these maladaptive behaviors at its core. PAPD is thought to occur because of beliefs related to power and autonomy: PAPD individuals view themselves as vulnerable to control and others as demanding and interfering.
When determining how to deal with passive aggressive behavior, it´s important to know whether it is part of a disorder, as it implies a different approach to resolving issues. Someone with a personality disorder requires professional help to manage their condition. Assertive training during treatment typically resolves the issue of passive-aggressive behavior.
Final Words on How to Deal With Passive Agressive Behavior
Having to face a passive-aggressive person can be exhausting. Despite doing your best to learn how to deal with passive aggressive behavior, your mental health can still suffer. Seeking professional support can be your first step in managing difficult relationships and addressing problems caused by this maladaptive way of behaving and people who showcase it.
Seek Help
Whether you are experiencing negative consequences of dealing with passive-aggressive people or you are doubting about possible personality disorders, you can turn to professionals for help. Call Time Wellness Arkansas to explore our therapy options or schedule a consultation.