Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Passiver Gehorsam / Español: Cumplimiento Pasivo / Português: Conformidade Passiva / Français: Conformité Passive / Italiano: Conformità Passiva /

Passive compliance means passively bending to unreasonable demands or circumstances.

In psychology, passive compliance refers to a type of behavior in which an individual submits to the demands or expectations of others without actively resisting or challenging them. This can involve going along with a decision or request, even if one disagrees or feels uncomfortable with it. Passive compliance can be driven by a variety of factors, such as a desire for social acceptance, fear of conflict or reprisal, or a lack of confidence or assertiveness.

Examples of passive compliance can include:

1. Agreeing to take on additional work or responsibilities at the request of a supervisor or colleague, even if it means sacrificing personal time or resources.

2. Going along with group norms or expectations, even if they conflict with one's personal values or beliefs.

3. Remaining silent or acquiescing to authority figures, even if they are behaving unfairly or unjustly.

4. Failing to speak up about one's needs or preferences, even if they are being ignored or overlooked by others.

5. Following rules or procedures without questioning their validity or effectiveness.

Passive compliance can be contrasted with other types of behavior, such as active resistance or assertiveness. In some cases, passive compliance may be an adaptive or necessary strategy for getting along with others or avoiding conflict. However, it can also have negative consequences, such as reduced autonomy, feelings of resentment or frustration, and missed opportunities for personal growth or development.

Similar constructs to passive compliance in psychology include:

1. Conformity: Conformity refers to the tendency to adjust one's behavior or attitudes to align with those of a group or social norm. It can involve overt behaviors such as wearing certain clothes or following specific customs, or more subtle changes in thoughts or beliefs.

2. Obedience: Obedience refers to compliance with the orders or requests of an authority figure, regardless of one's personal beliefs or values. This can include following rules or regulations, carrying out tasks, or even engaging in harmful behaviors in response to orders.

3. Compliance: Compliance refers to the act of following or adhering to the requests or instructions of others, often in order to gain approval or avoid negative consequences. This can include both passive and active forms of compliance, such as going along with a decision or actively seeking to please others.

4. Resignation: Resignation refers to a state of passive acceptance or surrender in response to a difficult or challenging situation. It can involve feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or defeat, and may result in decreased motivation or engagement in activities.

In conclusion, passive compliance is a type of behavior in which individuals submit to the demands or expectations of others without actively resisting or challenging them. While it can be an adaptive strategy for getting along with others or avoiding conflict, it can also have negative consequences, such as reduced autonomy or missed opportunities for personal growth. Understanding related constructs such as conformity, obedience, compliance, and resignation can provide further insight into the nature and impact of passive compliance on individuals and groups.