Students often pick on Tito, but he says that this behavior is a sign that the other students like him. What defense mechanism is Tito displaying?

(1 point)
Responses

regression
regression

projection
projection

compensation
compensation

rationalization

1 answer

Tito is displaying rationalization. This defense mechanism involves justifying or explaining away an uncomfortable situation in a way that makes it more acceptable. In this case, he is interpreting the bullying as a sign of affection rather than acknowledging the negative behavior.