Kamal has been smoking since he was 15 years old. His doctor tells him that he needs to quit for his health. Kamal tells the doc
tor, "Look, smoking is the only bad thing I do, and besides, you have to die of something." This BEST illustrates the use of a defense mechanism known as _____.
Rationalization is a defense mechanism by which an individual employs to state facts and reasons in a seemingly rational and logical manner to excuse their controversial behavior, or generally unacceptable behaviors.
In this case, Kamal tries to form a defense for smoking by giving reasons such as:
1. Smoking is the only bad thing he does
2. Something must definitely kill a person.
So therefore, logically, his smoking habit can be excused by the doctor. He does this perhaps in order to fight back the feeling of guilt.
