What rationale might someone use when justifying a less favorable outcome after significant effort?

Rationalization is a psychological defense mechanism that individuals often employ to make sense of unfavorable outcomes, particularly after significant effort has been expended. When people face disappointing results, they may look for justifications that align with their beliefs or values, even if those justifications lack a solid basis in fact. This process allows them to cope with the emotional pain associated with failure by framing the outcome in a way that feels more acceptable.

For example, someone who worked hard on a project that ultimately did not succeed might rationalize the outcome by emphasizing the external factors beyond their control or downplaying the importance of the project's failure. In this way, they create a narrative that helps maintain their self-esteem and offers a sense of closure despite the unfavorable result.

The other options present different concepts that do not align with the act of justifying a less favorable outcome. Wishful thinking involves hoping for positive outcomes without a basis in reality. Causal oversimplification refers to attributing a complex outcome to a single cause, which does not adequately explain the situation. Inconceivability relates to an inability to imagine or understand a situation, rather than providing a rationale for a disappointing result. Thus, rationalization is the most fitting choice for justifying a less favorable outcome after