Thesedefense mechanismsoperate in various ways to reduce discomfort, often by denying or distorting reality.
They believed that defense mechanisms worked on an unconsicous level to help protect the mind from feelings of anxiety.
While manyFreudian theorieshave fallen from favor in psychology, the idea of rationalization has persisted.
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Another theory suggests that rationalization might serve another important purpose.
According to this explanation, decision-making is complex and rarely relies on a single process.
Instead, it often incorporates instinct, norms, habits, reasoning, and other influences.
Rationalization vs.
Lying
While rationalization is similar to lying, there are important distinctions.
Lying is a conscious attempt to deceive, while rationalization often occurs partly or primarily outside of conscious awareness.
Rationalization often occurs in a variety of different ways.
This can protect a child from feeling ignored, leaving the child feeling unsupported and neglecting their emotional needs.
Rationalization can take a severe toll on family relationships over time.
Using rationalization can be problematic when a person uses post hoc excuses to justify immoral or unethical behavior.
This is driven by the need people have to maintain a sense of consistency.
People want to believe that they act in accordance with their beliefs and values.
When they don’t, it creates a state of psychological tension known ascognitive dissonance.
Rationalization often serves as a way to maintain this positive outlook on the self.
To Protect Self-Esteem
Rationalization can protectself-esteem, but it does so at a cost.
Refusing to acknowledge the truth of the situation can lead to faulty thinking, cognitive biases, and self-deceptions.
Rationalization can become a problem if you use it excessively to avoid dealing with reality.
While it can have its benefits, it can also lead to poor accountability andbad decisions.
Not dealing with your real motivations can also limit your personal growth.
Buildingself-awareness, learning to identify emotions, and practicing emotional acceptance are a few strategies that can be helpful.
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