The adaptation of the passive aggression scale (PAS) into Turkish: a validity and reliability study

Purpose Passive aggression, defined as harming others through indirect means rather than directly expressing anger or other negative emotions, has substantial effects on personal and social relationships. This study aims to adapt the passive aggression scale (PAS), originally developed by Lim and Suh, into Turkish and to evaluate its validity and reliability. By offering a culturally adapted tool, this study seeks to facilitate research and intervention efforts addressing passive-aggressive behaviours in the Turkish context. Design/methodology/approach The study sample consisted of 429 participants (326 females, 103 males). Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which confirmed the three-factor structure: inducing criticism, avoiding/ignoring and sabotaging. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω coefficients. Concurrent validity was tested via correlations with the trait anger (T-Anger) and anger expression scales (AngerES). Findings The CFA results supported the original three-factor model of the PAS. Both Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω coefficients indicated high internal consistency. Significant correlations were found between PAS scores and measures of trait anger and anger expression, in line with theoretical expectations. These findings demonstrate that the Turkish PAS is a reliable and valid measure of passive aggression. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first Turkish adaptation of the PAS, supported by strong psychometric evidence. The instrument can be used in research and clinical practice to identify passive-aggressive tendencies, enabling timely interventions. Its application may contribute to public mental health by improving the understanding, prevention and management of passive-aggressive behaviours in Turkish society.