Rationalization (Psychology)

Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which apparent logical reasons are given to justify behavior that is actually motivated by unconscious instinctual impulses, an attempt to find reasons for one's own behavior after the fact. Rationalizations are used to defend against feelings of guilt, to maintain self-respect and to protect oneself from criticism, and they proceed in two steps: a decision, action or judgment is made for a given reason or no known reason at all, and only afterward is a seemingly good or logical reason constructed to justify it. The process ranges from fully conscious, presenting an external defense against ridicule from others, to largely unconscious, blocking internal feelings of guilt or shame.