Critical Literary Theory

Psychoanalytic Literary Theory

Rationalization as Ego-Defense Mechanism

Rationalization is an ego-defense mechanism that involves manufacturing "good" reasons or logical explanations to justify specific behaviors or soften the emotional impact of disappointments. When faced with situations that bruise the ego or result in unfulfilled desires, individuals engage in rationalization to create plausible explanations that align with their self-image or alleviate feelings of failure. Example 1: After not being selected for a desired job position, an individual might rationalize their disappointment by attributing it to external factors such as the competitive nature of the hiring process or the qualifications of the chosen candidate. They may convince themselves that they didn't really want the position anyway, emphasizing alternative reasons to preserve their self-esteem. Example 2: A person who indulges in unhealthy eating habits and fails to maintain a balanced diet may rationalize their behavior by finding justifications such as rewarding thems…

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