Students often pick on Tito, but he says that this behavior is a sign that the other students like him. What defense mechanism is Tito displaying?
(1 point)
Responses
regression
regression
denial
denial
compensation
compensation
rationalization
rationalization
The defense mechanism that Tito is displaying is rationalization.
To determine the defense mechanism that Tito is displaying in this situation, we can analyze the options provided and their definitions.
1. Regression: This defense mechanism involves reverting back to an earlier stage of development to deal with current conflicts or stressors. It may involve exhibiting childish or immature behavior.
2. Denial: This defense mechanism involves refusing to acknowledge a painful or distressing reality, often by blocking out or ignoring certain aspects of the situation.
3. Compensation: This defense mechanism involves making up for perceived inadequacies or deficiencies in one area by excelling in another area.
4. Rationalization: This defense mechanism involves justifying or providing plausible reasons for one's thoughts, feelings, or actions to avoid confronting the true underlying reasons.
In this case, Tito is suggesting that the other students' behavior is a sign that they like him. By interpreting the negative behavior as a positive, Tito is demonstrating a defense mechanism known as rationalization. He is providing a plausible explanation for the negative experiences to protect himself from the discomfort of feeling disliked.
Therefore, the correct defense mechanism that Tito is displaying is rationalization.
True or False:
Primary emotions are learned.
(1 point)
Responses
true
true
false