Difference Between Aggressive Passive and Assertive Behavior

Aggressive vs Passive vs Assertive Behavior
 

The difference between aggressive, passive, and assertive behavior can be identified from the different reactions one expresses to a situation. Human behavior can be categorized into different typologies. When observing the human reaction to situations, such a typology can be identified. According to this, human beings can behave in three different ways. They are assertive, aggressive, and passive behavior. Assertive behavior includes honest, direct, and confident behavior that does not violate the rights of others. The aggressive behavior involves hostility and violence towards others. The passive behavior involves nonresisting behavior. This clearly highlights that these refer to three different behaviors. Through this article let us examine the differences among these three forms of behavior.

What is Assertive Behavior?

Assertive behavior is characterized by honesty, confidence, care, active participation, and concern for the rights of others. A person who displays assertive behavior is always honest and speaks confidently. He actively engages in the situation and deals directly with the problem. Such behavior is often considered as superior and a better method of dealing with situations.

A person with assertive behavior is concerned about the rights of others and does not violate them. They express their desires and opinions openly which leads to better understanding. They are not only confident of their opinions but also of themselves. This allows them to be satisfied with the manner in which they handle situations. When it comes to relationships with others, their honesty and straightforwardness allow them to improve their relationships and strengthen them.

What is Aggressive Behavior?

Aggressive behavior is characterized by violence and hostility towards others. Unlike those with assertive behavior, an individual who has an aggressive behavior is not concerned about others. He is selfish and very opinionated. He does not listen to others but approaches the situation from his point of view alone. Aggressive behavior and assertive behavior share a certain characteristic. That is expressiveness. Just as an assertive individual, an aggressive individual also expresses himself. However, this can be full of hostility.

Unlike in assertive behavior where the individual cares for others, aggressive behavior does not. It blames others and is very inconsiderate. Such a person can attack others physically or verbally and fails to focus on the problem as they are driven by their anger.

What is Passive Behavior?

Those with a passive behavior are non-expressive. They do not express their opinions or their needs. They do not play an active role and allows others to make choices for them. They are usually indifferent to others and are isolated. Unlike an aggressive person, a passive person does not directly express the anger but keeps it within. He lacks confidence and can be abused by others due to this characteristic. Another key feature in such an individual is that he would not face the situation or the problem, but prefers to avoid it. This highlights that these three behavior are different from one another.

What is the difference between Aggressive, Passive and Assertive Behavior?

• Definitions of Aggressive, Passive and Assertive Behavior:

• Assertive behavior includes honest, direct, and confident behavior that does not violate the rights of others.

• The aggressive behavior involves hostility and violent towards others.

• The passive behavior involves nonresisting behavior.

• Characteristics of Aggressive, Passive and Assertive Behavior:

• Assertive Behavior:

• Honest

• Confident

• Considerate of others and their rights

• Direct

• Deals with the problem

• Expressive

• Aggressive Behavior:

• Violent and hostile

• Expressive

• Governed by anger

• Inconsiderate

• Blames others

• Passive Behavior:

• Avoids the situation

• Non expressive

• Isolated

• Indifferent

• Lacks confidence

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Smiling man via Pixabay (Public Domain)
2. Behavior Types via Openclipart (Public Domain)