Table of Contents
The exact cause of passive-aggressive personality disorder is still unknown but like in most personality disorders, it probably hails from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. [3] These may include the following.
Parental controlling behavior
According to most experts, the behaviors that can be considered characteristic of passive-aggressive personality disorder appear to have an origin in constant power struggles with one's parents in childhood. Parental over-control, neglect, or favoring of a sibling can all contribute to the development of the silent protest and grudging obedience associated with this disorder. That appears to be because in these situations, overt "defiance", or expressing one's opinion, is openly discouraged. Passive aggression then seems to be the only way to resist.
Five-factor model
There is a hypothetical model of personality found in people who are suffering from Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder. [4]
High Neuroticism
This character trait is accompanied by chronic negative affect, including anxiety, fearfulness, tension, irritability, anger, dejection, hopelessness, guilt, and shame. Difficulty in inhibiting impulses is the predominant symptom as well as irrational beliefs, unrealistic expectations, perfectionistic demands on the self, and unwarranted pessimism.
High Extraversion
This character trait is characterized by excessive talking, leading to inappropriate self-disclosure, social friction, and an inability to spend time alone. All these behaviors are also accompanied by an overly dramatic expression of emotions; wild excitement seeking, and improper attempts to dominate and control others.
Low Openness
Low openness results in difficulties with adapting to social or personal change and a low tolerance or understanding of different points of view or lifestyles.
Low Agreeableness
This line of a character is characterized by cynicism and paranoid thinking. The affected people are unable to trust even friends or family members, are frequently too ready to pick fights, and are exploitive and manipulative, lying, rude and inconsiderate toward friends, something which may lead to alienation. They have a limited social support network, lack the respect for social conventions which can result in troubles with the law, have an inflated and grandiose sense of self, and show arrogance.
High Conscientiousness
People who score high on conscientiousness on personality tests are often recognizable by overachievement: workaholic absorption in a job can cause the exclusion of family, social, and personal interests. There are often signs of compulsiveness, including excessive cleanliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.