While cleaning up after her party last night, Angela forgot to put the leftover crab dip in the refrigerator. When she discovered the now-spoiled dip in the morning, Angela said she didn't mind having to throw it out because it wasn't that good anyway. MOST likely, Angela is using a. rationalization. b. repression. c. reaction formation. d. regression.

Angela's response is most likely a case of rationalization. By downplaying the quality of the crab dip, she is justifying her oversight in a way that makes her feel better about throwing it out. It’s a common defense mechanism where individuals provide logical explanations or excuses for behaviors or decisions that may not align with their true feelings. On the flip side, this kind of behavior is quite relatable in everyday life! We often find ourselves justifying decisions, whether it’s a snack we forgot about or a missed opportunity. It helps us cope with the little disappointments without being too hard on ourselves. Embracing rationalizations in minor situations can even protect our self-esteem and help us move forward!