Rationalization is defined as...

• A. Attempting to Make Excuses or Formulate Logical Reasons to Justify Unacceptable Feelings or Behaviors
• B. Admitting Guilt
• C. Apologizing
• D. Ignoring Feelings

Answer: (A)

Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person creates acceptable-sounding reasons to justify unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, often to reduce anxiety or protect self-esteem. For example, someone who cheats on a test might tell themselves the test was unfair or that the material didn’t matter, instead of owning the behavior. This shows changing the interpretation of the action to make it seem reasonable.

This differs from admitting guilt, which would involve acknowledging responsibility for the behavior; from apologizing, which expresses remorse and seeks forgiveness; and from ignoring feelings, which means suppressing or denying the emotions rather than reframing the act.