Question

After Daniel had ballooned to a weight of 450 pounds he became very stressed. When confronted by his wife he said, " It is healthy for me to maintain this weight because I'll live longer if a famine occurs." What defense mechanism is he using?

Answer 1

Daniel is using the defense mechanism of rationalization to justify his excessive weight by claiming that it is healthy for him in case of a famine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The defense mechanism that Daniel is using is called rationalization. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual provides logical, but false, reasoning to justify their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. In this case, Daniel is rationalizing his excessive weight by claiming that it is healthy and beneficial in the event of a famine.

Research suggests that maintaining a lower body weight can have health benefits, but being extremely overweight, like Daniel, can lead to various health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues. It is important for Daniel to address his weight and find healthier ways to cope with stress.

For example, he could seek support from healthcare professionals, engage in regular physical activity, and make healthier dietary choices to manage his weight in a more sustainable and beneficial way.