Background
Passive aggressive behavior refers to the indirect expression of negative emotions such as anger, frustration, resentment, or hostility. Instead of expressing feelings openly, individuals may communicate dissatisfaction through procrastination, intentional inefficiency, stubbornness, sarcasm, silent treatment, indirect resistance, or subtle forms of opposition. Although occasional passive-aggressive behavior is common, persistent patterns may interfere with communication, relationships, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
The Passive Aggressive Behavior Scale (PABS) was developed to provide a multidimensional assessment of passive-aggressive behavioral tendencies. The scale evaluates emotional expression, communication style, conflict avoidance, indirect resistance, resentment, and interpersonal coping patterns. Higher scores indicate a greater tendency to express negative emotions indirectly rather than through open communication.
Procedure
Read each statement carefully and respond honestly based on how you typically think, feel, and behave in everyday situations. There are no right or wrong answers.
Scoring & Interpretation
The Passive Aggressive Behavior Scale (PABS) consists of three assessment parts.
Part 1: Emotional Expression
Dimensions:
• Indirect Anger (4 items)
• Emotional Suppression (4 items)
• Resentment (4 items)
• Conflict Avoidance (4 items)
Total Items: 16
Response Scale:
0 = Not Me
1 = A Little Me
2 = Somewhat Me
3 = Mostly Me
4 = Definitely Me
Part 2: Thoughts and Communication
Dimensions:
• Indirect Communication (4 items)
• Stubbornness (4 items)
• Blame Externalization (4 items)
• Suspicious Interpretation (4 items)
Total Items: 16
Response Scale:
0 = Never
1 = Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often
4 = Very Often
Part 3: Everyday Behaviors
Dimensions:
• Procrastination (4 items)
• Silent Resistance (4 items)
• Sarcasm (4 items)
• Relationship Strain (4 items)
Total Items: 16
Response Scale:
0 = Never
1 = Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often
4 = Almost Always
Each dimension contains one reverse-scored item.
Raw Score Range:
0–192
Percentage Score = (Raw Score ÷ 192) × 100
Dimension scores are converted into percentages ranging from 0–100. Higher scores indicate stronger passive-aggressive behavioral tendencies.
Passive Aggressive Behavior Scale (PABS) Questionnaire
Below is the Passive Aggressive Behavior Scale (PABS), a digitally adapted 48- items self-assessment questionnaire.