One afternoon,Aaron eats hours-old Chinese food out of a garbage can.When his more sensible co-workers voiced their shock and disgust,Aaron replied,"It was in a styrofoam container,and there was nothing but paper in the trash can!" What defense mechanism was Aaron using?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aaron is engaging in rationalization by justifying his behavior and downplaying the negative aspects of eating food from the garbage can.

One Afternoon,Aaron Eats Hours-Old Chinese Food Out of a Garbage