Passive aggressiveness is a personality trait characterized by indirect resistance to the demands or expectations of others, and a lack of direct communication of personal needs or feelings. In Buddhism, the cycle of suffering and the root causes of such suffering are explained through the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination. Understanding these twelve steps can help one recognize the interdependence of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to passive-aggressive tendencies.

The first step in dependent origination is ignorance. In the context of passive aggressiveness, ignorance represents a lack of understanding of the nature of emotions and communication skills. Many people who exhibit passive-aggressive behaviors may not be aware of their own feelings or may not have learned healthy communication skills. Thus, cultivating an understanding of emotions, the nature of reality, and healthy communication skills through self-reflection, reading, and seeking support from therapists or other professionals can help break this link.

The second step is mental formations, which refers to habitual patterns of thought and behavior that arise from ignorance. For instance, someone may have learned to use passive-aggressive behavior as a coping mechanism for dealing with their emotional needs. Mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy are useful tools to recognize and challenge these passive-aggressive behavior patterns.

The third step is consciousness, which is the awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences. The persons consciousness is conditioned by their mental formations, making them more prone to passive-aggressive behavior than other communication styles. Thus, developing awareness of how mental formations shape consciousness and influence behavior is the key to breaking this link. Mindfulness meditation can help cultivate a greater sense of awareness.

The fourth step is name and form, which refers to the physical and mental aspects of our being that are interdependent. In the case of passive aggressiveness, the persons physical and mental makeup makes them more susceptible to passive-aggressive behavior. Developing healthy lifestyle choices through self-reflection and therapy can help address these issues.

The fifth step is the six sense bases, which are senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) and the mind, through which we interact with the external world. In the case of passive aggressiveness, communication with others is influenced by perceptions through these senses. Practicing mindful communication and developing a greater sense of awareness in interactions with others can help break this link.

The sixth step is contact, which occurs when one sense base interacts with its respective object. In the case of passive aggressiveness, the person may encounter a situation where they feel their emotional needs are not being met. Recognizing when situations trigger passive-aggressive behavior and developing healthier coping mechanisms such as assertive communication, conflict resolution skills, or assertiveness training can help break this link.

The seventh step is feeling, which refers to the emotional response to contact with an object. In the case of passive aggressiveness, the person may feel hurt, unappreciated, or ignored as a result of the situation. Developing emotional regulation skills to better manage emotional responses that may lead to passive-aggressive behavior can help break this link.

The eighth step is craving, which is the desire for something to be different than it is. In the case of passive aggressiveness, the person desires to express their feelings but may not have learned healthy communication skills. Thus, cultivating self-compassion and acceptance for situations outside of ones control, and learning to express needs in a direct, constructive manner, can help break this link.

The ninth step is clinging, which refers to the attachment to an idea or feeling. In the case of passive aggressiveness, attachment to passive-aggressive communication intensifies, perpetuating the cycle of negative experiences and feelings. Recognizing when attachment to passive-aggressive behavior is leading to negative consequences in relationships and working to let go of these patterns can help break this link.

The tenth step is becoming. Developing more wholesome communication patterns, recognizing that past behavior may impact future experiences, and working on present behavior to build positive karmic patterns can help break this link.

The eleventh step is birth, in which existence manifests. In the case of passive-aggressive behavior, it may manifest in the form of indirect communication, manipulation or sabotaging relationships. Practicing healthy communication habits and fostering positive relationships can help break this link.

The twelfth and final step is old age and death, which represent the inevitable end of the cycle of suffering. In the context of passive-aggressive behavior, such behavior, if not addressed, can lead to suffering in relationships and perpetuate negative consequences in future situations, hindering ones ability to find joy and peace.