which defense mechanism is John using when he says “it’s ok if i tell my parents that i’m going to Lisa’s house even when i’m really going to ride around with Pete because they won’t mind.”
a. regression
b. rationalization
c. rejection
d. denial
b. rationalization
The defense mechanism that John is using when he says "it’s ok if I tell my parents that I’m going to Lisa’s house even when I’m really going to ride around with Pete because they won’t mind" is rationalization.
In order to determine which defense mechanism John is using, let's first understand what defense mechanisms are. Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that people use to cope with or avoid dealing with uncomfortable or threatening situations.
Now, let's analyze John's statement: "it’s ok if I tell my parents that I’m going to Lisa’s house even when I’m really going to ride around with Pete because they won’t mind."
John is making an excuse for his behavior by justifying it with the assumption that his parents won't mind. This is an example of rationalization, which is the defense mechanism where individuals provide seemingly logical and socially acceptable explanations or justifications for their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
Therefore, the correct answer is b. rationalization.