ABSTRACT
Confrontation of a passive-aggressive borderline patient requires patience, persistence, and a refusal to be drawn into directive procedures or to use confrontation as an angry retaliation to the patient's provocations. This type of patient will use passive-avoidant maneuvers to avoid self-activation and the abandonment depression that accompanies all self-directed initiative. The therapist's refusal to be drawn off course will be rewarded as his patient becomes more involved, improves his ability to manage affect, and to function.
