Rationalization
So common is rationalization that we may tend to overlook it as a defense mechanism. At times we all go through the process of justifying our conduct or opinions by inventing socially acceptable reasons; rationalization is a wishful-thinking defensive reaction. The person tries to find an "out" by coming up with a plausible excuse for failure.
Rationalization is not reasoning, although it may have such an appearance. Reasoning is the process of seeking a true answer to a problem, whereas rationalization justifies an answer that already has been determined by esire, without reasons, intent, or purpose. It is, in effect, an attempt to "make sense" out of feelings and behavior in conflict situations. Rationalization shows up in a variety of forms to help us believe what w'e want to believe rather than what is true. These forms range from "sour grapes" to those "unfair objective exams." Of course, rationalization may sometimes help us protect ourselves from' anxiety when we are in an anxiety-producing situation. In the long run, however. it is no satisfactory substitute for reality.
