---
title: "Rationalization — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Rationalization is a Freudian defense mechanism where you invent believable excuses for unacceptable behavior. Key for Topic 7.6 and easy to mix up with intellectualization."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/rationalization"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Rationalization — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Rationalization is creating false but plausible excuses to justify unacceptable behavior or feelings.

## Related Study Guides

- [7.6 Psychoanalytic Theories of Personality](/ap-psych-revised/unit-7/psychoanalytic-theories-personality/study-guide/xObsdpPvH8P0SWshGbbp)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Intellectualization](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/intellectualization): A defense mechanism where reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress.
- Justification: The action of showing something to be right or reasonable, often used as a means to defend or rationalize one's own actions or decisions.
- [Confirmation Bias](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/confirmation-bias): The tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories.