Which defense mechanism is John using when he says "It's ok if I tell my parents that I am going to Lisa's house even when I'm really going to ride around with Pete because they won't mind." A. regression. B. rationalization. C. rejection. D. denial.

Answer 1

John is using B. rationalization as a defense mechanism. He is justifying his decision to lie to his parents by convincing himself that they won't mind, even though he knows he's not being truthful about his plans. Rationalization involves providing logical reasons or excuses for behaviors that are otherwise unacceptable or questionable.