There are different types of personality disorders, one of them is passive-aggressive disorder (also called negativistic personality disorder).
It is characterized because These people resist external requirements, that is, the demands of others with expressions such as obstructionism, procrastination, stubbornness or forgetfulness, combined with negative and defeatist attitudes.
This type of behavior persists even when it is possible to show different, more effective behavior. People with this type of personality disorder are manipulative and dependent on others, which is why they appear pessimistic and resentful.
The exact causes of this personality disorder are not known with certainty. Although experts affirm that the origin is found in both biological and environmental factors.
Researchers think that people who show passive-aggressive behaviors usually already express them in childhood. The parenting style of their parents, Family dynamics and other childhood influences may contribute to the development of this personality disorder. Abuse during this life stage or severe punishments, abuse of psychoactive substances in adolescence or low self-esteem can also encourage the development of passive-aggressive behaviors.
It is important to mention that other psychological health conditions can appear to be passive-aggressive behaviors, so it is necessary to take this into account when making a correct diagnosis of this personality disorder. For example:
Symptoms of Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder
People with this disorder They often show a disconnect between what they say and what they do. Their behavior provokes anger from both people close to them and strangers.
Symptoms of this disorder include:
Possible treatments
If you suffer from this disorder, You should be treated as soon as possible as it directly affects your interpersonal relationships. Luckily, it is possible to find help from psychological health professionals. If you think you may be suffering from this disorder, it is necessary that you tell your family and your family doctor, so that you can later go to a psychology professional specialized in this type of disorders.
The psychotherapist can help you identify the passive-aggressive behaviors that you carry out, and thus teach you how to achieve more adaptive behavior that causes you less suffering. The psychologists can help you manage your anger, resentment or low self-esteem that may be contributing to you suffering from this type of personality disorder.
What to do if I suffer from this disorder? Guidelines and advice
In addition, they can teach you effective coping strategies, such as helping you see the situation objectively and solve problems in the healthiest way possible. Assertiveness training can also help you manage passive-aggressive behavior, so you can express your thoughts and concerns effectively, which reduces negative behavior caused by anger and frustration.
But in addition to seeking psychological help, you can also do other things on your own. They are the following:
How to know if I suffer from Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder: 12 keys to detect it
But how do you know if you suffer from Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder? In addition to the fact that people generally do not want to approach you, there are different signs that can help you detect it.
You do not tell the truth openly, kindly and honestly when asked for your opinion or when they ask you to do something for someone. You also tend to compromise with other people when you want to say no, which causes confusion and conflict with other individuals.
2. Double sided
You appear sweet, obedient and nice, but deep down you are resentful, angry. and you feel great envy. You live with these two extremes, and this causes the people around you to be confused and angry.
3. Emotional dependence
You are afraid of being alone and dependent. It is difficult for you to have direct communication, and, when faced with a relationship conflict, you usually express: “I hate you” “Don’t leave me.” This shell that you put on is nothing more than insecurity and fear of rejection. With this attitude you can distance yourself from the people who care about you and those you care about, because it often seems like you don’t want support, instead of being open, you close off and become impenetrable.
4. You hold others responsible
You frequently complain that others treat you unfairly. Instead of taking responsibility for what you do wrong, assuming it and trying to change, you prefer to play the victim. You often say that others are too hard on you or ask too much of you.
5. Procrastination
You procrastinate on a regular basis, especially when you have to do things for others. You always have an excuse why you haven’t been able to do things. You can even blame others when you are the one to blame. This is how you destroy relationships and lose friendships.
You don’t give direct answers. This is another way the people you are with can often feel offended. And instead of giving direct answers, you always send confusing messages about your thoughts, your plans or your intentions.
7. You are in a bad mood
You tend to sulk and put on a bad face. You complain that others do not understand you and lack empathy when they expect you to live up to your promises, obligations or duties. In reality, you are the one who commits and then doesn’t follow through.
8. Lack of deference to others
You usually arrive late and are forgetful. One of the reasons you have a hard time forming relationships with others is because you are inconsiderate. So you are not serious about being respectful of the agreements you make. That includes being late when you’re meeting someone.
9. You lie frequently
You make up stories, excuses and lies. You are the master of evading the direct answer, you always have to have some phrase to distract the attention of others when they ask you for explanations. This leads you to tell a story or manipulate information. You prefer to have everything under control by creating lies.
10. You hide your insecurities
You constantly protect yourself so that no one knows how afraid you are of being imperfect dependent or simply human.
