Mission Connection has released a new guide on passive-aggressive behaviors in adults, exploring characteristics and possible causes.

San Juan Capistrano, United States, September 16, 2026 /PressCable/ -- Mission Connection has published a guide on passive-aggressive behaviors in adults. In a 2023 survey of 1,000 U.S. workers, the language-learning platform Preply found that 83% had received a passive-aggressive email or message from a colleague. Mission Connection aims to explain the characteristics of passive-aggressive behaviors, how they may impact an individual’s career progression, and possible treatments.

EBSCO's Research Starters entry on passive-aggressive behavior describes it as a covert expression of anger, hostility, or displeasure. This type of behavior is subtle and difficult to identify, which in turn makes it challenging to address and resolve. However, Mission Connection says that passive-aggressive behaviors all involve a disconnect between an individual’s words and their actions, often resulting in miscommunication.

According to Mission Connection’s guide, one of the most common and recognizable forms of passive-aggressiveness is the minimization of communication with the individual of their ire, which typically results in the silent treatment. Backhanded compliments, deliberate procrastination, sarcasm, and visible negative body language are other forms of passive-aggressiveness. The resource adds that passive aggression can manifest differently in distinct settings: at work, it may appear as missed deadlines, quiet sabotage, and subtly worded emails; in marriage, spouses may ignore each other or deliberately neglect household responsibilities; within friendship circles, some friends may gossip about or subtly insult others; and family members may subject each other to guilt-tripping.

Mission Connection says that passive-aggressive behavior is harmful because it shifts the emotional burden to others, forcing them to decode unspoken grievances. This can be particularly damaging to personal relationships. Research cited by Metaintro also notes that passive aggression can stall career growth, lower team performance, and increase staff turnover.

Mission Connection notes that where these patterns interfere with work or relationships, a licensed therapist can help identify the underlying causes and build more direct communication habits.

About Mission Connection

Mission Connection is an outpatient mental health treatment center that takes an integrative approach to mental healthcare, combining evidence-based treatments with holistic therapies for whole-person care. The organization is committed to improving access to mental health services and offers both in-person and virtual therapy.

More information is available at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/blog/passive-aggressive-behavior-in-adults-examples-characteristics/

Contact Info:
Name: Nathan Di Tomaso
Email: Send Email
Organization: Mission Connection
Address: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. , San Juan Capistrano, California 92675, United States
Website: https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 89203514

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