Mary is miserable in her marriage to an abusive alcoholic but says her parents and children are better off if she stays married. What defense mechanism is operative?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person justifies or excuses their behavior or actions by creating logical reasons or explanations that may be untrue. In this case, Mary is rationalizing staying in an abusive marriage by believing that it is better for her family, even though it may not be true.

Mary Is Miserable in Her Marriage to an Abusive Alcoholic