Translate Passive Aggressive Behavior Scale (PABS)

Passive Aggressive Behavior Scale (PABS)

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.

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.

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.

I hide my anger.

I keep my feelings inside.

I stay upset for a long time.

I express my anger directly.

I keep my feelings to myself.

I hide when I am upset.

I avoid showing my emotions.

I speak honestly about my feelings.

I remember old hurts.

I find it hard to forgive.

I stay bitter after conflict.

I let things go easily.

I avoid arguments.

I stay quiet to avoid conflict.

I walk away from disagreements.

I deal with conflict directly.

I drop hints instead of speaking directly.

I expect others to understand my feelings.

I avoid saying what I feel.

I say what I mean.

I resist being told what to do.

I become stubborn when upset.

I ignore requests when annoyed.

I cooperate easily.

I blame others for problems.

I feel misunderstood.

I think others are unfair.

I admit my mistakes.

I question people's motives.

I expect disappointment.

I assume people mean well.

I find it hard to trust others.

I delay tasks on purpose.

I work slowly when annoyed.

I miss deadlines when upset.

I finish tasks on time.

I ignore people when upset.

I give people the silent treatment.

I avoid talking after conflict.

I talk through problems.

I use sarcasm when upset.

I make indirect comments.

I make jokes to hide anger.

I say what I feel directly.

I avoid solving problems.

I wait for others to fix things.

I leave conflicts unresolved.

I solve problems quickly.