- Mixed Style of Communication. The person activates both passive and aggressive elements. The displayed, observable passive elements are meant to hide aggressive intentions and goals.
MAIN BELIEFS AND THOUGHTS
- They think they should maintain a good social image and do not take responsibility for the aggressive attitudes and intentions they entertain.
- They want the effects of the anger they feel toward someone or something, but they make a choice of avoiding the possible negative outcome by not expressing that anger, dissatisfaction or resentment directly.
COMMUNICATION
- They express their opinions, desires, and needs in a way that projects passive attitudes, but which is meant to hide the aggressive source of their message.
- They do offer feedback, but most of the time in a modified manner, aimed at hiding the underlying aggressive attitude.
- They usually avoid conflict by not expressing their true feelings or opinions.
GOAL ACHIEVEMENT
- Predominantly Passive-Aggressive people pursue their own goals, but at the same time try to undermine the goal achievement of other people.
- They usually feign or do a poor job in helping others to achieve their goals.
EMOTIONS
- Primarily the emotions related to the passive and aggressive styles.
- Anxiety, thinking that their true intentions might be discovered.
- Guilt and shame, sometimes, when being discovered.
Because it relies on two rather ineffective communication styles, the Passive-Aggressive Style is also, most of the time, inefficient in regulating one’s relationships and inner dynamic.