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The Human Mind 73

Table 3.8 Genuine and contrived anger

Genuine anger (driven unconsciously by the Contrived anger (conscious action by the para-
sympathetic system) sympathetic system)

Bodily signs

Adrenalin flush, fast heartbeat and heavy Normal heartbeat
breathing

Apparently enlarged body Normal, ambivalent or ‘image-managed’ posture

Pallid complexion (often extreme) Flushed or reddened complexion

Face inclined forward Face pulled back

Tightly drawn lips Exposed teeth

Profuse sweating No discernible activity

Hair standing on end

Dry mouth caused by reduced salivation

Clenched hands or pointing finger gestures

Fixed stare with dilated pupils Variable gaze

Displacement movements to relieve tension, such
as false scratching, rubbing hands, winding his
watch or cleaning glasses: gasps and sighs

Voice

Raised with a fast delivery

Attitude and demeanour

Not quickly forgotten Transient

Will not defer to interruptions by the Will usually defer to interruptions
interviewer and will be assertive

May terminate the interview and storm out Very unlikely to terminate the interview

Focused on a specific issue or event Unspecific, often unjustified and at the start of
the interview

Throwing or breaking things Threatening but not doing

Timing

At any time in an interview and usually in Usually at the start of an interview, without any
response to a specific statement obvious reason

Non-verbal expression appears before a verbal Verbal outburst precedes the non-verbal
outburst and is symmetrical expression. The facial expression may be
asymmetrical

Justification

Often a good basis for complaint Spurious grounds for complaint

Anxiety decreases Anxiety remains