When Candace ordered a hot fudge sundae and a diet soda, she told herself that the calories from the ice cream really were not a big deal because the diet soda sort of balanced it all out. Which of Freud's defense mechanisms is motivating Candace?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Candace is using rationalization, which is a defense mechanism that involves creating a false but plausible explanation for an event or behavior in order to justify or make it acceptable. In this case, Candace is telling herself that the calories from the ice cream are not a big deal because she is drinking a diet soda, which is a way to make the unhealthy choice seem more reasonable.

When Candace Ordered a Hot Fudge Sundae and a Diet