Question

In two or three sentences, identify and describe at least one specific form of direct aggression or passive aggression that you observe in a scene, or other conflict management style. Imagine you could advise a character on how to express himself or herself assertively. In a sentence or two, provide an example of how the character could have expressed this idea in an assertive message; consult the characteristics of assertive messages described in your text. Remember to reference the textbook, including at least one page number.

You are also welcome to discuss your own style(s) of expressing conflict. Did you see read about any in the text and/or see any in the clips with which you identified?

Answer 1

Direct aggression includes behaviors such as verbal or physical assault and threats of harm. A manager screaming at an employee who comes late to work is an example of direct aggression. On the other hand, passive aggression involves taking an indirect approach towards causing harm to another individual without facing them directly. In the same example above, a manager may show passive aggression to an employee who continuously comes late to office by urging his boss to fire him.

The use of "I" statements is a technique that can be used to express oneself more assertively. One can use "I want", "I need" or "I feel" to convey basic assertions and get your point across firmly. For example, "I feel strongly that we need to bring in a third party to mediate this disagreement."