Passive aggression
By definition it is expression of aggression to other persons but indirectly in a form of passivity, masochismSexual masochism and sexual sadism have a great deal in common besides the experience of pain during the sex act. Both conditions begin in childhood; both are usually chronic ..., or turning the agression against the self. Some manifestations of such behavior is are failure, procrastination, provocative behavior, self-demeaning clowning, self-destructive acts, and illness that affect others more than the person himself/herself. Such persons are inefficient, find excuses for delays. They are not direct about their needs and wishes. In interpersonal relationships they tend to put themselves in a position of dependence, but their behavior is experienced as punitive and manipulative (Sadock, 2003). Passive-aggression is a defense mechanism that is mostly unconscious. The best way in therapy of passive-aggressive behavior is to help the client to express the anger.
(T.J.)
References:
- Sadock, B.J., Sadock, V.A. Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry. Ninth edition, Philadelphia; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2003.