Question

As mario is filling out his income tax forms, he makes the decision not to report all of his income. he figures that it is okay because everyone cheats on their taxes, and besides, he needs the money more than he government does. mario is exhibiting which defense mechanism

Answer 1

Mario is exhibiting the defense mechanism: rationalization. Mario justifies his controversial decision and behavior (his decision not to report all of his income) in rational or logical manner. This defense mechanism has two steps. The first step is the decision itself with no reason, and the second step is when the rationalization is performed .