In
psychology and
logic,
rationalization (or
making excuses[1]) 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 perceived controversial behaviors or feelings are explained in a rational or logical manner to avoid the true explanation of the behavior or feeling in question.
[2][3] It is also an
informal fallacy of
reasoning.
[citation needed]
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."