Passive Aggression Test
The Passive Aggression Test assesses individual tendencies to engage in non-active forms of behavioral aggression. Passive-aggressive behavior can be defined as adverse passivity and exclusion of active engagement, e.g., avoidance of social support or abandonment of one's psychological needs.
This test is based on the work of Christian G. Schanz et al. at the Psychology Department of Saarland University. It measures passive-aggressive tendencies across two separate domains.
Do you engage in passive-aggressive behaviors? For each of the following questions, indicate how well the statement describes you below.
Question 1 of 36
If I receive a present from someone, I often feel I do not really deserve it.
Disagree | Agree |
NEXT
Passive-aggressive behavior can be evaluated across two domains, described as self-directed and other-directed passive aggression. Hence, the test provides feedback such as the following:
Self-directed Passive Aggression: Self-directed passive-aggressive behavior may be self-sabotage, self-harm by omission, or harmful inactivity. When we direct our aggression toward ourselves, we may experience passive and possibly semi-conscious resistance to certain social or interpersonal demands for proper or adequate behavioral performance. Self-directed passive aggression includes resistance or opposition to such demands or authority through procrastination, stubbornness, intentional inefficiency, or negative future views.
Other-directed Passive Aggression: Other-directed passive-aggressive behavior can be characterized as indirect and covert aggression, externalized toward the environment. As we turn our passive aggression outward, we may express passive resistance and opposition to certain social or interpersonal demands for proper or adequate behavioral performance. Examples of other-directed passive aggression include resistance toward expectations or requirements through sarcasm, back-handed compliments or presenting a façade of compliance, masking covert hostility and resentment.
The IDRlabs Passive Aggression Test is inspired by the Test for Passive Aggression (TPA) authored by Christian G. Schanz et al. at the Psychology Department of Saarland University, Germany. While the IDRlabs Passive Aggression Test is based on the TPA, it cannot be used to provide a clinical assessment or accurate evaluation of your personality. Mental health assessments should always be done by a mental health professional. For more information about our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.