Rationalization is a psychological defense mechanism that refers to the process of collecting reasons that meet one’s inner needs and providing a reasonable explanation for one’s behavior when an individual’s motivation has not been realized or their behavior does not conform to social norms, in order to conceal one’s mistakes, alleviate anxiety and pain, and maintain self-esteem from harm
This is 360 Encyclopedia’s explanation of the psychological defense mechanism of “rationalization”.
The explanation also listed three ways of rationalization: sour grapes, sweet lemons, and buck passing. Simply put, it means belittling what cannot be obtained, beautifying what one currently possesses, and shirking what one should bear.
Rationalization can temporarily alleviate people’s disappointment, pain, and self blame, reduce anxiety and psychological pressure, and have a certain positive significance in maintaining psychological balance. But if one only stays at this level and forms a fixed pattern, it will make people stop moving forward, which is not conducive to the improvement of behavior patterns and the further improvement of psychological qualities, and thus has a negative impact on personal growth, interpersonal communication, academic and career development.
To belittle things that one cannot obtain, to slander and smear others who make oneself feel inferior, to suppress and strike at proactive and creative colleagues…… Are you familiar with this approach? This is all caused by the ‘sour grape mentality’. This approach is usually aggressive and directed towards the outside world. As friends of such people, we usually have to deal with the large amount of “sour water” they pour out. People with slightly lower psychological resilience may not be able to withstand it over time.
Living frugally is said to be ‘contentment brings happiness’; Not knowing how to refuse, saying it’s’ helping others’; Being bullied, saying ‘Buddha enters hell’…… This approach is known as the “sweet lemon mentality”, which is often found in people with kind hearts and gentle personalities. This approach is actually aggressive, but it points inward towards oneself. As friends of such people, one should be prepared to face the “bitter water”. Behind their seemingly relaxed expressions, there is a deep sense of helplessness and sadness, making onlookers feel powerless and oppressed.
”The fault of Silly Big Wood, the fault of Earth, the fault of the universe “, in short,” there is no fault of mine “(the scene in” That Year, That Rabbit, Those Things “alludes to a singer’s wife). This kind of shirking responsibility is also quite common, and its aggressiveness is completely directed towards the outside, which is the behavior pattern of people blocking and killing people, Buddha blocking and killing Buddha. It seems extremely sharp, but in fact it is extremely weak, like the roar of trapped beasts and the barking of stray dogs. For such people, people often avoid them, unless absolutely necessary, they will try their best to avoid cooperating and partnering with them.
Whether it’s sour grapes, sweet lemons, or straightforward excuses, occasional occurrences are harmless, after all, no one is a saint. But if this continues for a long time, like using a fig leaf as a dress, it will only result in self deception and self humiliation.