Psychologia

Rationalization

Rationalization is explaining one's behavior with seemingly logical reasons that conceal more difficult motives, emotions, or conflicts.

Definition

Rationalization is classically described as a defense mechanism: a person gives a reasonable justification for his or her choice, even though the true source of the decision may lie in fear, shame, the desire to protect one's self-image, or the avoidance of responsibility. The need to explain itself is not a mistake - the problem arises when the explanation serves more to defend than to discover the truth about oneself.

Key ideas

  1. Ochrona obrazu siebie
  2. Pozorne uzasadnienie
  3. Unikanie trudniejszej emocji

Practice and life

After an important decision, write down three reasons you say out loud and one emotion you may not want to acknowledge. Check if the reasoning doesn't sound too perfect.

Common misunderstanding

It is a mistake to treat every argument as a rationalization. The second mistake is to completely ignore the emotional reasons behind the decision.

Questions for self-reflection

  • Jaką emocję mogę ukrywać pod logicznym wyjaśnieniem?
  • Czy moje uzasadnienie dopuszcza niewygodne fakty?
  • Co powiedziałbym, gdybym nie musiał bronić swojego obrazu?

Sources