AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A rationalization is performed, constructing a seemingly good or logical reason, as an attempt to justify the act after the fact (for oneself or others).

Detailed explanation-2: -Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which people justify difficult or unacceptable feelings with seemingly logical reasons and explanations. For example, a student who is rejected from her dream college may explain that she’s happy to be attending a school that’s less competitive and more welcoming.

Detailed explanation-3: -Rationalization is a disavowal defense mechanism which permits an individual to deal with emotional conflicts, or internal or external stressors, by devising reassuring or self-serving but incorrect explanations for his or her own or others’ thoughts, actions, or feelings, which cover up other motives (Perry 1990).

Detailed explanation-4: -Intellectualization uses abstract thinking to detach oneself from feelings, while rationalization uses excuses and alternative reasons to cover up facts and motives (Perry 1990).

Detailed explanation-5: -Intellectualization involves a person using reason and logic to avoid uncomfortable or anxiety-provoking emotions. Intellectualization can be a useful way of explaining and understanding negative events. For example, if person A is rude to person B, person B may think about the possible reasons for person A’s behavior.