Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder (PAPD) is a psychological condition characterized by a pattern of indirect expression of hostility, resistance, and negative attitudes. Individuals with this disorder display passive and subtle ways of conveying their aggression and dissatisfaction, often resulting in the disruption of social and interpersonal relationships.
People with passive-aggressive personality disorder may engage in behavior that appears compliant and cooperative on the surface but contains underlying hostility and negativity. They often struggle with expressing their feelings and needs directly, leading to a buildup of resentment which they may express indirectly through procrastination, sullenness, stubbornness, or intentionally creating obstacles to frustrate others.
This personality disorder causes significant distress in personal, professional, and social settings. Individuals with PAPD typically have difficulty accepting criticism, tend to blame others, and may feel unwarranted resentment towards those they perceive as having a more assertive or powerful nature.
Common characteristics of individuals with passive-aggressive personality disorder include sarcasm, backhanded compliments, deliberately forgetting commitments, intentionally inefficiency, chronic lateness, and subtle acts of sabotage. These behaviors often create confusion and frustration for those around them, leading to strained relationships.
Diagnosing passive-aggressive personality disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. Treatment typically involves therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help individuals identify and change their patterns of behavior, develop assertiveness skills, improve communication, and manage their underlying feelings and anger in healthier ways.
