What is the defense mechanism that involves making excuses to justify actions or feelings?

Rationalization is the defense mechanism that involves the process of creating excuses or justifications for behaviors or feelings that may not be socially acceptable or might otherwise induce guilt. This mechanism allows individuals to protect their self-esteem by providing seemingly logical reasons for their actions, even if these reasons are fundamentally flawed or self-deceptive.

For example, if someone does not study for an exam and fails, they might rationalize their failure by saying that the exam was unfair or that they were too busy with other commitments, rather than acknowledging their lack of preparation. This helps them avoid the anxiety or discomfort associated with taking responsibility for their actions.

In contrast, denial of reality involves refusing to accept the truth of a situation, compensation refers to excelling in one area to offset deficits in another, and repression is the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts or impulses. Each of these mechanisms serves a different purpose and illustrates the various ways individuals cope with stress and conflict.