Rationalization

Rationalization is a defense mechanism in psychology invented by Sigmund Freud, which involves creating logical explanations for actions or decisions that were actually driven by unconscious motives. It is a way of making excuses, by providing a socially acceptable reason, rather than the real reason, for an action.

Overview

Rationalization happens when a person tries to explain their behaviors and feelings in a way that is not threatening. It is a way of avoiding guilt, responsibility, or the anxiety that comes with accepting that their behavior was not rational or socially acceptable. This can lead to a distortion of facts and denial of the truth.

Examples

An example of rationalization might be a person who is turned down for a date and responds by saying they were not really attracted to the person in the first place. Another example could be a student who blames a poor exam score on the instructor rather than their own lack of preparation.

In Freudian Psychology

In Freudian psychology, rationalization is considered a defense mechanism, a strategy used by the unconscious mind to manipulate, deny, or distort reality in order to defend against feelings of anxiety and unacceptable impulses.

See also

• Cognitive dissonance
• Denial
• Projection
• Repression

References

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