When Nicole was invited for a job interview at State University, she was extremely excited. However, when she learned that she would not get the job, Nicole told everyone, "It's just as well; I didn't really want to move to that cold, isolated wilderness anyway." Which ego defense mechanism best explains Nicole's behavior?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationalization is the ego defense mechanism wherein an individual creates false reasons or explanations for a behavior or an event in order to justify their actions or feelings. In this case, Nicole is using rationalization to make it seem like she did not want the job in order to deal with the disappointment of not being selected.

When Nicole Was Invited for a Job Interview at State