A young woman applies to a college that she most wants to attend. Her application is rejected, after which the woman convinces herself that the college is not nearly as good as some of the others to which she has applied.This defense mechanism is known as

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Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which controversial behaviors or feelings are justified and explained in a seemingly rational or logical manner to avoid the true explanation, and is often used to deal with feelings of disappointment or failure. In this scenario, the woman is rationalizing her rejection by convincing herself that the college is not as good as others, thus protecting her self-esteem.

A Young Woman Applies to a College That She Most