Psychology

Passive aggressive behavior also known as passive avoidance behavior is a combination of both passive and aggressive styles of behavior found in a person who uses hostility towards others. It is believed that the disorder develops as a result of environmental or genetic (biological) factors. This behavior is believed to be as a result of specific childhood environment aggravated by depression. In this study, an effort will be made to analyze this trait which is exhibited by one of my peer. To some degree doctors believe that the behavior is a normal part of peoples social repertoire though if it continues unchecked it can become a personality disorder.

A person with passive aggressive behavior does not exhibit any visible physical signs since such a person is friendly and outgoing though when one begins to know them, their behavior seems unpredictable and will not make sense to you. The person more often appears eager and enthusiastic to perform the requests and favors of others. They usually overextend themselves by taking more than they can handle simply because they are unable to negotiate a compromise and say no. However, for some unknown reason they will not perform the requested or eagerly accepted task on time or in the appropriate manner but will become sarcastic and resentful. It has been discovered that this reaction is as a result of their inability to openly and directly confront others about their feelings or problems i.e. they express their anger or resentment through nonverbal expression.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, passive aggressive behavior has various symptoms which include intentional avoidance of responsibility through procrastination, sulking or urging when asked to do something, deliberate inefficiency on unwanted tasks by performing them in an incompetent manner and or complains about everything from feeling of being underappreciated to being cheated. Others forget or fail to perform their share of any given task or deliberately neglect to accomplish their obligations and blatantly resent any form of useful suggestions. In an attempt to avoid confrontations for undone work or lateness, they makeup lies about mysterious illnesses like stomachaches or omit important facts in an attempt to stop a fight. Consequently, their inability to effectively communicate about their feelings turns them into gossipers and complainers hence tend to cause friction by leaking secrets through gossip. They take their problems to family members and friends instead of confronting the right person and dealing with the situation.

Like every other disease, passive aggressive personality behavior has its own effects or consequences not only on the individual but also on those close to them. People suffering from this behavior more often than not put people off and especially loved ones to the extent of totally alienating themselves hence making it difficult for their loved ones to reach out to them when need be. The person is often unhappy as he views everyone as a potential enemy. They lose friends and close relationships with their loved ones because of their snide remarks and unapologetic behavior which brings feelings of hurt and pain. People no longer trust or have confidence in them as their continued excuses makes one lose your patience and inevitable trigger feelings of anger.

It brings so much frustration when you try to communicate with someone who does not want to give a straight answer or even accept the fact that he has made a mistake. Self-depreciation within the person with passive aggressive behavior leads to self-destructive acts in an effort to seek vengeance. The passive aggressive anger causes emotional pain as it erodes the other persons sense of self-confidence, worth and value. The other person is left vulnerable as he or she can not protect him or herself from the pain it causes.

Various fields have advanced different theories in an attempt to give an explanation about the disorder with the most plausible one coming from the psychologist. Psychological theories suggest that passive aggressive behavior is brought about by various factors. The most predominant contributor to the development of this disorder is environmental factors especially those occurring in the first early years of a childs life. e.g. if a child is brought up in a homestead with overbearing parents where it is not listened to, it resorts in making a point in covert ways since it views this behavior as morally favorable to direct confrontation. Essentially, strong feelings of rejection in the child or inadequate nurturing by the parents result in extreme anger. Psychologists advise family members to recognize these patterns early enough and help the individual control and express their anger and anxiety in socially acceptable ways. Family members ought to confront them for work not done or for promises not fulfilled and make them realize that their behavior affects how others relate with them. If they do not change, therapy should be sort.

The ethical dilemma encountered in the study lies in the fact that passive aggressive behavior can be displayed by anyone and most people do not realize that they actually suffer from it hence view it as normal behavior without realizing that they express themselves differently. They are unaware that the difficulties they face with other people are actually as a result of their own behavior but resort to blaming others for their misfortune. Therefore, any attempt at helping them seek medical help is usually met with hostility since they believe they are fine. Family members should realize that people with the disorder are good and have a problem that needs to be addressed though it will require patience.