Passive-aggressiveness is a communication style in which a person expresses anger or hostility indirectly. Active aggression would be expressing anger directly.
Passive-aggressive people tend to be conflict-avoidant and rarely express anger. This doesn’t mean they’re not hurt, though.
They’ll get back at those who hurt them in subtle ways. Since passive-aggressive people cannot talk about issues directly and face problems head-on, they tend to build up a lot of resentment.
What causes passive aggression?
Passive aggression usually stems from a person’s childhood experiences. If a person was raised in a household where expressing emotions, including anger, was not encouraged, they’re likely to become passive-aggressive.
Passive aggression may also stem from conflict-free or conflict-ridden homes. In conflict-free homes, the child has no positive associations with conflict. They haven’t learned the benefits of healthy conflict.
In conflict-ridden homes where disputes were dealt with in an unhealthy manner, the child associates pain with conflict. Passive aggressiveness then develops as a pain-avoidance mechanism.
Taking the passive-aggressive husband test
Both men and women can be passive-aggressive in marriages. This test applies equally to a passive-aggressive wife.
If you suspect your husband is passive-aggressive, this test will help you assess the likelihood of that being true.
It contains 15 items on a 4-point scale ranging from Very often to Never. The test is 100% confidential, and your results are only shown to you.
