Attitude as an Ego-Defensive Mechanism

Definition

An attitude acts as a shield, protecting a person’s self-esteem and self-image.

How It Works

• Justifying Behavior: People use attitudes to rationalize actions that might seem negative.

Illustrations

• Example: A student who fails a test might say, “The test was unfair,” to defend their self-esteem.
• Self-Protection: Someone may dislike a group to feel better about their own choices.

Using attitudes in this way helps individuals cope with insecurities and maintain a positive self-view.