Self-justifying meaning

Self-justifying means providing reasons or excuses for one's actions that are unconvincing or insincere.


Self-justifying definitions

Word backwards gniyfitsuj-fles
Part of speech Adjective.
Syllabic division self-jus-ti-fy-ing
Plural The plural of the word self-justifying is self-justifyings.
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) e,u,i
Consonants (8) s,l,f,j,t,y,n,g

Self-justifying behavior is a common phenomenon where individuals rationalize their actions, decisions, or beliefs to justify them to themselves or others. This can involve providing explanations, excuses, or reasons that aim to defend or validate one's behavior. People engage in self-justifying behavior to protect their self-image, maintain a sense of consistency in their beliefs and actions, or avoid feelings of guilt or shame.

Psychological Mechanisms

Self-justifying behavior often stems from cognitive dissonance, a psychological theory that suggests individuals experience discomfort when faced with conflicting beliefs or behaviors. To reduce this discomfort, people may engage in self-justification to resolve the inconsistency and restore a sense of internal harmony. This process can lead individuals to downplay negative aspects of their actions, exaggerate positive aspects, or reinterpret information to align with their beliefs.

Types of Self-Justification

There are various ways in which people engage in self-justifying behavior. One common form is confirmation bias, where individuals selectively focus on information that supports their existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence. Another form is moral licensing, where individuals allow themselves to engage in questionable behavior after performing a virtuous act, using the good deed as a justification for the subsequent action.

Impact on Decision Making

Self-justifying behavior can have significant implications for decision making. When individuals are committed to a course of action, they may become resistant to feedback or alternative viewpoints that challenge their beliefs. This can lead to poor decision making, as individuals may overlook important information or fail to consider alternative perspectives. Additionally, self-justification can hinder personal growth and development by limiting opportunities for self-reflection and learning.

In conclusion, self-justifying behavior is a complex psychological phenomenon that influences how individuals rationalize their actions and beliefs. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and types of self-justification, individuals can become more aware of their own biases and work towards making more informed decisions. Overcoming self-justifying tendencies requires a willingness to challenge one's own beliefs, consider alternative viewpoints, and engage in critical self-reflection.


Self-justifying Examples

  1. The self-justifying behavior of the politician raised suspicions among the public.
  2. Her self-justifying attitude made it difficult for her to accept criticism.
  3. The self-justifying nature of his actions only served to further alienate his friends.
  4. He tried to make his self-justifying excuses sound convincing, but nobody believed him.
  5. The self-justifying tone of her voice gave away her guilt.
  6. His self-justifying behavior only made the situation worse.
  7. She had a way of making her self-justifying arguments seem logical.
  8. The self-justifying comments he made to the press only added fuel to the fire.
  9. Despite his self-justifying explanations, he knew deep down that he was wrong.
  10. Her self-justifying thoughts kept her from taking responsibility for her actions.


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  • Updated 27/04/2024 - 23:02:53