What is the term for distorting facts to reduce anxiety?

Rationalization is a defense mechanism used to distort facts or provide logical explanations for behaviors or feelings that might otherwise cause anxiety. It allows an individual to justify their actions or thoughts, making them more acceptable and less distressing. For example, a person might rationalize failing an exam by claiming the test was unfair rather than confronting the fact that they did not study adequately. This cognitive distortion helps reduce emotional discomfort associated with the reality of the situation.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different psychological processes. Repression involves unconsciously blocking out painful thoughts or memories, which does not necessarily involve distorting facts as rationalization does. Denial refers to refusing to accept reality or facts, essentially ignoring evidence that is distressing, rather than distorting it. Transference is the process by which emotions and desires from one relationship are redirected to another, often in a therapeutic context, and does not involve the manipulation of factual information for anxiety reduction.