Students often pick on Tito, but he says this behavior is a sign that the other students are like him what defense mechanism is Tio displaying

Answer 1

Tito is demonstrating rationalization, a defense mechanism where an individual tries to justify or explain their feelings or behaviors in a seemingly logical way, even if that reasoning is not entirely accurate. By saying that the other students picking on him is a sign that they are like him, he is providing an explanation for their behavior that helps him cope with the hurt of being bullied, rather than acknowledging the pain or rejection he may feel. This allows him to make sense of the situation and protect his self-esteem.