![]() ![]() ![]() For example, lying about your job may seem pretty innocent and might spare you some initial awkwardness, but it can still be problematic for you, even if no one else finds out. Rationalization often seems positive in the moment, but it can have some negative consequences in the long run. Below, we’ll take a look at some downsides of rationalization. When your friends and family ask if you got your dream job, you might say something like, “No, I actually decided to turn it down for this one that has a better salary, better commute, and more affordable rent close to work.” Of course, that isn’t true at all, but this is a classic example of how people use rationalization as a defense mechanism.Īlthough making up an excuse about your new job isn’t the worst thing in the world, it can have negative consequences for you and your mental health. This one isn’t quite what you wanted, but you’re happy to have a job. Shortly thereafter you receive an offer for another job. For example, let’s imagine that you interview for your dream job and you get rejected. Rationalization is not always inherently wrong. In this scenario, we can see how rationalization helps people to think that their behavior is justified even when it isn’t. If we connect this definition back to our example, we can clearly see that the person who ate their co-worker’s sandwich used rationalization to convince themselves that their behavior was justified. Put simply, to use the definition by Merriam Webster, rationalization is “a way of describing, interpreting, or explaining something (such as bad behavior) that makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.” I have back-to-back meetings all day.”īoth of these are examples of rationalization. He has time to get something else to eat if he wants. You knew it was his, but you still took it and ate it.Īfterwards, you might have felt guilty about your actions, but maybe you told yourself something like, “It wasn’t really that bad because he usually goes out to eat anyway.” Perhaps you thought, “It’s not a big deal. It was in the office refrigerator and was marked with his name. Let’s say that you ate your co-worker’s sandwich. The American Psychological Association defines rationalization as “an ego defense in which apparently logical reasons are given to justify unacceptable behavior that is motivated by unconscious instinctual impulses.” For example, most people have done something they shouldn’t have at one point or another. Change Defense Mechanisms With Counselor Support What Is Rationalization? ![]()
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