A general definition ofnarcissismis excessive self-love.
People with narcissistic personality disorder need attention or admiration and have trouble with interpersonal relationships.
A person with narcissistic traits who wants to be indirectly aggressive can usepassive-aggressive behavior.
Delmaine Donson / Getty Images
For example, being falsely polite with underlying hostility or giving someone a backhanded compliment.
These passive-aggressive behaviors can provoke others.
Someone who is passive-aggressive is not necessarily a narcissist.
They will also have other signs of narcissism.
Passive aggression and narcissism can go together, but the behaviors are not always obvious.
What Is a Covert Narcissist?
Covert narcissistic behaviors or signs are not always obvious.
A covert narcissist may go between feeling better than everyone else and having a fragile sense of self-esteem.
They can connect you with resources like local mental health professionals and counselors.
Ideally, you should work with a provider who is knowledgeable about narcissism.
Can a Passive-Aggressive Narcissist Change?
A narcissistic person who uses passive aggression can change, but its difficult.
Then, they need to acknowledge the behavior is not useful in their relationships.
Summary
A narcissistic person can use passive-aggressive behavior to manipulate others.
These behaviors can be covert and hard to spot, but that doesnt mean theyre easy to deal with.
Its important to learn how to set boundaries with a passive-aggressive narcissist.
you’ve got the option to empathize with them, but you don’t need to emotionally react.
Passive-aggressive people can say a wide variety of things.
They often include backhanded compliments or phrases with latent anger or derision.
Accessed November 17, 2023.
2019;207(10):820-825. doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000001044
LibreTexts.8.169: Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder (Negativistic Personality Disorder).
Caligor E, Levy KN, Yeomans FE.Narcissistic personality disorder: diagnostic and clinical challenges.The American Journal of Psychology.
2017;43(3):156164. doi:10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875
Help Guide.Narcissistic personality disorder.
Krizan Z, Johar O.Narcissistic rage revisited.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
2015;108(5):784-801. doi:10.1037/pspp0000013
