What Are the Causes of Passive Aggressive Behavior?
Words or actions that are purposefully employed to harm or upset someone form the basis of passive-aggressive behavior. Passive-aggressive individuals mask their malicious intentions by lying to prevent being blamed for a misfortune incurred by another. Their duplicitous behavior also allows them to avoid confrontation and accountability for their actions. According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), their behaviors stem from a negative attitude toward and resentment of others.
