Question

One afternoon, Aaron ate hours-old Chinese food out of the garbage can. When his more sensible co-workers showed shock and disgust, Aaron replied, "It was in a styrofoam container, and there was nothing but paper in the trash can!" What defense mechanism was he using?

a) Rationalization
b) Repression
c) Projection
d) Denial

Answer 1

The correct answer is option a) Rationalization.

Step-by-step explanation:

The defense mechanism that Aaron is using in this situation is rationalization. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual justifies or excuses their behaviors by substituting acceptable reasons for the less-acceptable real reasons.

In this case, Aaron is justifying his action of eating hours-old Chinese food from the garbage by explaining that it was in a Styrofoam container and that there was nothing but paper in the trash can, rather than addressing the underlying reasons he chose to eat discarded food, such as hunger or a disregard for social norms.