Rationalization (making excuses)

Rationalization may vary according to different psychological theory have different meanings:

Psychology

The term refers in psychology cognitive processes in which lessons learned, experiences or observations afterwards (ex post) rational explanations are attributed. These need not actually be the cause of the experience, but are often constructed and dyed personally. The supposed logic reduces cognitive dissonance and give the person a sense. This can go so far that memories are constructed to maintain the sense.

Psychoanalysis

In psychoanalysis, rationalization is a defense mechanism of the ego, namely the attempt actions that are controlled by unconscious motives to give (eg through repressed instinct pulses), subsequently a rational sense.

Hypnosis

In hypnosis and hypnotherapy rationalization is the fabrication of a reasonable explanation for the post-hypnotic commands follow.