“Pretending to be angry after doing something wrong” is one of the more complex psychological defense mechanisms, grounded in both psychoanalytic theory and modern neuroscience.
It’s a fascinating example of how the brain and mind collaborate to protect the ego from shame, guilt, or loss of control.
Let’s break it down 👇
🧠 1. Why do some people “get angry to hide guilt”?
Defense Mechanisms: Displacement & Projection
According to Sigmund Freud and Anna Freud, when someone feels guilt or embarrassment after being caught doing something wrong,
the brain perceives this as a threat to self-image (ego threat).
To reduce the discomfort, the subconscious redirects or projects emotions outward:
-
Displacement: Redirecting one’s internal frustration onto someone else
-
Projection: Blaming others for one’s own mistake
🧩 Example:
Someone caught lying might immediately shout, “Why don’t you trust me?!”
— when in reality, the underlying feeling is fear of humiliation.
Anger becomes a mask that hides that fear.
🧠 2. The brain conflict: Amygdala vs. Prefrontal Cortex
A study by the University of Cambridge (2018) found that when people experience ego threat,
the amygdala (the brain’s emotional alarm system) activates instantly,
while the prefrontal cortex (responsible for reasoning and self-control) becomes less active.
Result → The person reacts emotionally (anger) instead of responding rationally (accepting fault).
This outburst of anger gives a false sense of control, even though deep down, they know they’re in the wrong.
🧩 3. Ego defense mechanism: “Moral Disengagement”
Based on Albert Bandura (Stanford University, 1999)
Humans have a strong desire to see themselves as good people.
When their actions contradict this self-image, the brain activates temporary moral detachment to protect the ego —
often by justifying the wrongdoing through anger:
“I’m not wrong — you made me lie!”
This mental process reduces guilt by suppressing activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) —
the region responsible for moral conflict and empathy.
⚡ 4. Hormonal self-deception: Adrenaline & Dopamine
Research from the University of Valencia (2018) shows that anger triggers surges of adrenaline and dopamine,
chemicals that create feelings of power, control, and alertness.
This neurochemical boost tricks the brain into feeling strong and justified —
even when anger is actually a defense against emotional vulnerability.
💭 5. Social conditioning and learned behavior
In some cultures (including Thailand), staying calm is seen as weakness,
while anger signals strength or dominance.
As a result, the brain learns that “if I get angry, I’m still in control,”
leading to a pattern of anger as ego protection rather than accountability.
🧩 In short:
Anger is often a mask for shame, fear, or guilt.
The brain uses anger as a temporary shield because it feels powerful and protective —
but if repeated, the brain “learns” to replace self-reflection with aggression.
Long term, this habit damages relationships, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.
📚 References
-
Freud, A. (1936). The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defence.
-
Bandura, A. (1999). Moral Disengagement in the Perpetration of Inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193–209.
-
Cambridge University Neuroscience Institute. Neural Correlates of Anger and Self-Protection. (2018)
-
University of Valencia. Neurochemical Basis of Anger and Self-Regulation. (2018)
-
Harvard Health Publishing. The Science of Anger and Emotion Control. (2023)
0 Comments