Which of the following is an example of rationalization?
A) Phil fails to recognize his attraction to his son's date.
B) Bernard asks a professor to raise his grade; when the professor refuses, Bernard throws a temper tantrum.
C) Paul redirects anger from his boss to his dog.
D) Hua explains that he ate an entire chocolate cake so that it wouldn't spoil in the summer heat.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person gives a false or convenient explanation for their behavior or feelings. Hua's explanation for eating the entire cake is a convenient justification for his behavior, and can be seen as an example of rationalization. The other choices do not involve rationalization - A is an example of denial, B is an example of tantrum-throwing, and C is an example of displacement.

Which of the Following Is an Example of Rationalization