A nurse is leading a group therapy session. One client states: "I don't want to say anything because no one cares what I think anyway." Which type of communication is this an example of?

Passive communication occurs when a person avoids expressing their own feelings, needs, or opinions, often because they believe their views do not matter or will be dismissed by others. The client's statement — 'I don't want to say anything because no one cares what I think anyway' — perfectly illustrates passive communication: the person is withdrawing from participation and self-silencing rather than voicing their perspective. This behavior often stems from low self-esteem, learned helplessness, or fear of rejection, and it undermines effective group therapy engagement. Assertive communication involves confidently expressing thoughts and feelings while respecting others, which is not present here. Aggressive communication involves expressing oneself in a domineering or hostile way that disregards others' rights. Passive-aggressive communication is an indirect form of hostility, where the person appears compliant on the surface but expresses negativity in subtle, covert ways — for example, sulking or deliberately failing to follow through on tasks. In this case, the client is not expressing hidden hostility or making a veiled attack; they are simply withdrawing and deflecting, which clearly aligns with passive communication. Recognizing communication styles is essential in mental health nursing so the nurse can therapeutically encourage client participation and address underlying beliefs that prevent self-expression.