Akbar has a real clunker of a car that has stalled on him numerous times. He tells his friends that he is getting a brand new car, but then he checks out the prices and realizes that he cannot afford a new car. When friends ask him when he is getting the new car, he responds that he does not know what he was thinking. He could never give up this car. "It's a classic." Akbar is using the defense mechanism known as
A)displacement.
B)rationalization.
C)compensation.
D)sublimation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Akbar is using rationalization, a defense mechanism where an individual justifies or rationalizes an unacceptable behavior or feeling in a logical manner, avoiding the true reasons behind the behavior. In this case, Akbar rationalizes keeping his old car by calling it a "classic" after realizing he cannot afford a new one.

Akbar Has a Real Clunker of a Car That Has