which defense mechanism is John using when he says, "It's okay if I tell my parents that I'm going to Lisa's house even when I'm really going to ride around with Pete because they won't mind."

Question

A. regression
B. rationalization
C. rejection
D. denial

Answer 1

John is using B. rationalization when he justifies telling his parents a falsehood by convincing himself that they "won't mind" about it. Rationalization involves providing a seemingly logical reason or explanation for behavior that may actually be motivated by irrational or emotional factors.