Which of the following defense mechanisms is Marissa using when she says “So what if I broke her stupid toy? She’s always bothering me when I want to play video games and no one should have to put up with that all the time.”

Answer 1

Marissa is using the defense mechanism of rationalization. Rationalization involves justifying one's behavior or feelings with logical reasons, even if those reasons aren't true or right. In this case, Marissa is trying to justify her action of breaking the toy by blaming the other person's behavior (bothering her) instead of taking responsibility for her own actions.