Final answer:
The term for creating logical excuses for one's behavior or feelings is rationalization, where acceptable reasons are substituted for the real, less-acceptable ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the creation of logical reasons or excuses for one's behavior or feelings is rationalization. Rationalization involves justifying behaviors by substituting acceptable reasons for less-acceptable real reasons. It is a defense mechanism that people use to deal with emotional conflict or internal or external stressors.
For example, if someone is late to a meeting and blames the traffic rather than admitting they left home late, they are using rationalization to justify their tardiness. Instead of acknowledging the less-acceptable truth that they did not manage their time well, they find a more acceptable reason to explain their behavior.