Passive-aggressive behavior occurs when a person resents having to serve the desires and needs of others and passively resists such requests rather than directly confronting the situation. People who are passive-aggressive resist responsibility and may channel their resentment into behavior such as procrastination, inefficiency or forgetfulness. These behaviors allow individuals to avoid participating in or completing projects.

People who have passive-aggressive tendencies tend to resent authority figures and may be envious of those who get along with people in positions of authority. These individuals also tend to feel cheated, underappreciated and misunderstood, and may chronically complain. Many passive-aggressive people learned the behavior through interactions with family members. Passive-aggressive behavior also is commonly exhibited in workplaces and schools.

The exact cause of a person’s passive-aggressive behavior remains unknown. Some people seek treatment for the behavior, although this may be related to associated relationship problems or substance abuse. Patients who experience passive-aggressive feelings may benefit from some forms of psychotherapy. However, their tendency to resent authority figures and not recognize their behavior as a problem may make treatment difficult.