Question

When people try to confront Alfred about drinking too much alcohol, he replies, "Drinking may be harmful to my health, but I'll die having a good time." This statement, which is an example of self-justification, illustrates Alan's attempt to reduce _____.

Answer 1

Alfred's statement exhibits self-justification, as he tries to minimize cognitive dissonance by rationalizing his excessive alcohol consumption.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alfred's statement exemplifies self-justification, as he tries to reduce cognitive dissonance by rationalizing his excessive alcohol consumption. Self-justification is a psychological defense mechanism that involves creating excuses or justifications for one's actions or behaviors.

In this case, Alfred acknowledges the potential harm of drinking alcohol but justifies his behavior by saying that he values having a good time over his health. By doing so, he attempts to minimize the internal conflict he may feel due to the inconsistency between his behavior and his knowledge of the negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.

This type of self-justification can be seen as a way for individuals to protect their self-image and maintain a positive perception of themselves despite engaging in harmful behaviors.