A therapist recently convicted of multiple counts of Medicare fraud says, "Sure I overbilled. Why not? Everyone takes advantage of the government, so I did too." These statements show:

A) shame.
B) suspiciousness.
C) superficial remorse.
D) lack of guilt feelings.

Rationalization is being used to explain behavior and deny wrongdoing. The individual who does not believe he or she has done anything wrong will not exhibit anxiety, remorse, or guilt about the act. The patient's remarks cannot be assessed as shameful. Lack of trust or concern that others are determined to cause harm is not evident.