Rationalization (psychology)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. WikiProject Psychology or the Psychology Portal may be able to help recruit one. (November 2008) |
In psychology and logic, rationalization is the process of constructing a logical justification for a belief, decision, action or lack thereof that was originally arrived at through a different mental process. It is a defense mechanism in which unacceptable[which?] behaviors or feelings are explained in a rational or logical manner to avoid the true explanation of the behavior or feeling in question.[1][2]
This process can be in a range from fully conscious (e.g. to present an external defense against ridicule from others) to mostly subconscious (e.g. to create a block against internal feelings of guilt).
Rationalization is one of the defense mechanisms proposed by Sigmund Freud, which were later developed further by his daughter Anna Freud.
According to the DSM-IV rationalization occurs "when the individual deals with emotional conflict or internal or external stressors by concealing the true motivations for his or her own thoughts, actions, or feelings through the elaboration of reassuring or self serving but incorrect explanations."
[edit] References
- ^ Kendra Van Wagner. "Defense Mechanisms - Rationalization". About.com: Psychology. http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/ss/defensemech_6.htm. Retrieved on 2008-02-24.
- ^ "Defenses". www.psychpage.com. http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/counseling/defenses.html. Retrieved on 2008-03-11.
[edit] See also
- Cognitive dissonance
- Displacement
- Explanation
- Intellectualization
- Projection
- Repression
- Rationalization disambiguation page
- Reaction formation
- Regression
- Substantiation
|
|||||||||||||||||
 This psychology-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
