Rationalization as a psychological defense mechanism is characterized by:

Rationalization is a defense mechanism in psychology that involves justifying one’s behaviors or feelings by providing reasonable explanations while simultaneously denying the underlying true emotions or motives. This can help an individual maintain a positive self-image or reduce feelings of guilt or anxiety.

For instance, a person who didn't get a promotion may rationalize the situation by saying they didn’t want the additional responsibility anyway, rather than confronting feelings of disappointment or inadequacy. This highlights how rationalization serves to protect a person's self-esteem by masking anxiety-inducing truths with seemingly logical, yet often faulty, reasoning.

This understanding of rationalization as a mechanism for justifying behavior while minimizing or denying genuine feelings underscores why this choice is correct in the context of psychological defense mechanisms. The ability to soften the blow of emotional pain through rational arguments can be a substantial aspect of maintaining mental stability, despite the possible avoidance of confronting the real issues at hand.