Covert aggression tactics from "summary" of Dark Psychology by James W. Williams
Covert aggression techniques are strategies used to manipulate and control situations in a subtle way, such as through passive aggression. These techniques can be used to gain power and advantage over others in an indirect way.- Covert aggression involves a person seeking to harm another, without the other people being aware of what's happening. This kind of behaviour tends to be subtle or disguised so that those who are deceived have no idea they are targets of someone’s malevolence.
- In most cases, covert aggression comes from deeply-rooted feelings of resentment towards a particular individual or group, and a desire to gain power over them, either directly or indirectly.
- People may employ secretive tactics, such as passive-aggressive manipulation - when your behaviour is indirectly hostile and you refuse to take responsibility for it - in order to cause harm.
- Subversive communication techniques, such as gloating, complaining, insinuating and bluffing, all form part of this type of manipulative behaviour; carefully hitting below the belt in a way which undermines those unsuspecting of such tactics.
- Even though these kinds of psychological manoeuvres may not involve physical violence, they can still be damaging to a target’s emotional wellbeing, and are therefore considered unethical by many.
- Understanding how these destructive behaviours work helps give insight into why certain people might choose to act in this way, and victims can find useful strategies for protecting themselves from becoming victims of such unethical actions.
