Rationalization is the unconscious process by which we give socially acceptable reasons for things that we do from lesser motives. It is the unconscious excuses which our mind makes for us, without us being aware as to what is going on.
The businessman is coming under stress from worry about his tax return which he knows was not the complete truth. He rationalizes, ‘The accountant passed it. That’s his affair. It’s not my responsibility.’ Of course it is his responsibility. But by rationalizing in this way he saves himself stress from the problem.
A young man is feeling the effects of stress from his guilt about a sexual encounter in which he really seduced the girl. So he rationalizes, ‘She went along. She did not resist. Said “No”. That’s just at first. Just part of the game. A few tears to make it seem she meant it. She didn’t resist. What in hell am I worrying about?’
A girl laughed at her new lover’s impotence. ‘I shouldn’t have done it. He’s so sensitive. So very sensitive. Wish I hadn’t. Then what of me! My feelings! He shouldn’t have tried if he did not know he was all right.’ In this way she rationalizes her guilt and reduces the feelings of stress.
*77/98/5*
