Which defense mechanism is John using when he says "It's ok if I tell my parents that I am going to Lisa's house even when I'm really going to ride around with Pete because they won't mind."
The defense mechanism that John is using in this scenario is rationalization.
The defense mechanism that John is using here is rationalization.
The defense mechanism that John is using in this situation is known as rationalization. Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person offers seemingly logical explanations or justifications for their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors in order to preserve their self-image and reduce feelings of guilt or anxiety.
In this case, John is trying to justify his decision to deceive his parents by making up a plausible-sounding reason. He convinces himself that his parents won't mind if he tells them he is going to Lisa's house, despite his actual intention of going for a ride with Pete. This rationalization serves to alleviate feelings of guilt or anxiety that he might experience if he were to admit his true intentions.
To identify defense mechanisms like rationalization, it is important to consider the motives and underlying emotions behind someone's words or actions. In this case, John's rationalization suggests an unconscious effort to protect his self-image and avoid guilt or disapproval.