Question

Unconsciously motivated by miserliness, Mr. Rioja refused to send his son money to buy the books he needs for his college courses. In defending his actions, Mr. Rioja explained that "parental financial aid prevents teenagers from developing into mature, independent adults." Mr. Rioja's explanation is an example of ______.

1) fixation
2) rationalization
3) projection
4) displacement
5) reaction formation

Answer 1

Mr. Rioja's explanation is an example of rationalization, a defense mechanism in which a person provides a self-serving but incorrect or illogical explanation for their behavior or beliefs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mr. Rioja's explanation is an example of rationalization. Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person provides a self-serving but incorrect or illogical explanation for their behavior or beliefs. In this case, Mr. Rioja justifies his refusal to help his son financially by stating that it would hinder his son's development into an independent adult. However, this explanation is not based on sound reasoning or evidence.