Magnifying Mistakes of Others

 

                                                 (image: youtube.com)

Mamasawbasaw!

Ever encounter people who automatically look for scapegoats when they commit mistakes? They may blame others, external circumstances, or even the weather. This behavior is often rooted in psychological defense mechanisms.

Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies employed by individuals to cope with reality and maintain self-image. These mechanisms are well-documented in psychological literature. Freud's (1936) theory of defense mechanisms describes how the ego protects itself from anxiety and unacceptable impulses through various unconscious strategies, including denial and rationalization.

Rationalization involves explaining an unacceptable behavior or feeling in a rational or logical manner, avoiding the true reasons for the behavior. Research by Baumeister et al. (1998) has shown that rationalization helps maintain self-esteem by providing socially acceptable explanations for actions. There are individuals who seek to rationalize their errors. Essentially, they are aware of their wrongdoing or avoidance of responsibilities, yet they excel at constructing plausible justifications for their behavior.

But isn’t this fooling oneself? By rationalizing, individuals can avoid confronting uncomfortable truths about themselves. This self-deception helps them preserve self-esteem and avoid feelings of guilt or shame. For example, someone who fails to get a promotion might rationalize the outcome by blaming external factors rather than acknowledging any personal shortcomings.

This defense mechanism is closely linked to the concept of cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or behaviors. To reduce this discomfort, individuals often rationalize their actions to align them with their beliefs. Festinger's (1957) theory of cognitive dissonance provides a framework for understanding how rationalization helps in reducing psychological tension.

Yet, the underlying truth remains unchanged. While we may fully deceive ourselves and others with our rationalizations, there exists a deep, intrinsic awareness of the falsehoods we embellish with superficial justifications.