A cruel and abusive person often uses rationalization to explain the behavior. Which comment demonstrates use of this defense mechanism?

A) "I don't know why I do mean things."
B) "I have always had poor impulse control."
C) "That person should not have provoked me."
D) "I'm really a coward who is afraid of being hurt."

Rationalization consists of justifying one's unacceptable behavior by developing explanations that satisfy the teller and attempt to satisfy the listener. The abuser is suggesting that the abuse is not his or her fault; it would not have occurred except for the provocation by the other person. The distracters indicate some measure of acceptance of responsibility for the behavior.