The Impact of Passive-Aggressive Behaviour on Mental Health
In life, sometimes there is this undertone of nervous energy, that feeling that something is off or just doesn't feel right.
That gut instinct?
That hug or smile that just doesn't sit well?
Do you know what I mean?
That uneasiness of a forced short conversation that just doesn't hold any authenticity and just puts your nervous system on high alert.
Believe me, your body knows when something is amiss, but your mind is still thinking it's okay it’s your imagination overreacting! When we start listening to our body’s reactions it can help us tune into another frequency of what aligns with us and it helps us build trust within ourselves.
I call it passive-aggressive behaviour, which is characterised by indirect resistance to the demands of others and an avoidance of confrontation, and believe me it can have substantial implications for both the perpetrator and the individuals around them. So I started to research and explore the effects of such behaviour on our mental health and our relationships.
This is what I found:
Understanding Passive-Aggressive Behaviour:
Passive aggression is often subtle, manifesting through behaviours like procrastination, silent treatment, subtle sabotage, and intentional inefficiency. It is linked to unresolved anger that is not expressed openly but instead masked behind compliance and awkward politeness.
The Key Impacts on Mental Health:
It has a big impact on relationships:
Passive-aggressive behaviours can severely damage interpersonal relationships. A study highlighted that these behaviours create a cycle of resentment and frustration in both the aggressor and the target, complicating interactions and contributing to emotional distress (Journal Paper: Rabkin, 1965).
The Victim's Psychological Health:
Those exposed to persistent passive-aggressive actions may experience confusion, anxiety, and a decrease in self-esteem. Passive aggression functions as a veiled form of hostility, making it hard for victims to confront and resolve issues directly (Journal Paper: Kantor, 2017).
The Perpetrator's Mental Well-being:
Engaging in passive-aggressive behaviour is also detrimental to the aggressor. It is associated with underlying emotional conflicts, stress, and, in some cases, depressive symptoms. Research suggests that passive-aggressive individuals often struggle with expressing anger and managing interpersonal conflicts healthily (Journal Paper: Small et al., 1970).
Within The Workplace and Educational Settings:
In professional environments, passive-aggressive behaviours contribute to reduced job satisfaction and a toxic atmosphere. Studies have indicated that such behaviours can lead to long-term negative impacts, including stress and decreased motivation among team members (Journal Paper: McIlduff & Coghlan, 2000).
The Developmental and Longitudinal Impacts:
Early exposure to passive-aggressive environments, such as problematic parental relationships, can lead to the development of similar behaviours in children and adolescents, further perpetuating cycles of ineffective conflict management (Journal Paper: Renken et al., 1989)A
Addressing and Managing Passive-Aggressive Behaviour:
To mitigate the harmful effects, it is crucial to adopt healthy coping strategies and communication methods. Therapy and counselling can help individuals recognise and address their passive-aggressive tendencies, fostering more transparent and constructive interpersonal interactions (Journal Paper: Montgomery, 1971).
We need to recognise that passive-aggressive behaviour can significantly impact both individual mental health and broader social dynamics, leading to anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
Recognising and addressing these patterns is essential for promoting healthier and more effective communication. So I ask you to look around you and decide what it is you need before anyone else. Does it align with you or is it taking you off course to a dark subdued space within yourself?
