Rationalization is the use of reasoning to justify behavior considered unacceptable according to one’s personal moral code or the norms of their group. People offer a variety of reasons to justify theft, sexual infidelity, obnoxious behavior under the influence of substances, and so forth.
People appear to revise their beliefs and desires to match the rationalization. It is not clear how the mind works to create post hoc rationalizations for behavior and then to integrate them into the self. There are many influences on thinking such as memories, features of the present context, recent events, and so forth.
Rationalization is a Level 3 Defense Mechanism.
Applications
Rationalization and the Psychology of Religion
When events or evidence threaten the identity of religious people and cause distress, religious leaders may offer various reasons why available evidence does not support a doctrine, theological belief, or prophecy. An example might be many Christians acceptance of the Big Bang theory and evolution as compatible with the concept of creation demonstrates rationalization. The Church has rationalized these scientific theories by interpreting them as part of God's method of creation, rather than seeing them as contradictory to religious beliefs.
Rationalization and Social / Political Psychology
Politicians grilled by journalists may quickly offer a made-up reason for something they did, which is considered damaging to their career plans unless the action can be justified by offering positive outcomes like saving lives or explaining that what they said was taken out of context.
Rationalization and Developmental Psychology
Children caught in an act of disobedience may offer a fictional explanation to justify their behavior to avoid punishment. Often the explanations are simple and even humorous and provide examples of how quick the mind works. A few examples of reasons children give for not doing their homework.
“My dog ate it.”
“I forgot it at home.”
“I didn’t understand it.”
“I was too busy with [insert activity].”
“I couldn’t find my homework.”
“I had no internet access.” (For the digital age!)
Resources
A- Z List of Defense Mechanisms with descriptions
Psychotic Defense Mechanisms described
Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales
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