What reasoning pattern can be seen in someone justifying their poor performance by blaming others?

Rationalization is the reasoning pattern involved when an individual justifies their poor performance by attributing responsibility to external factors or other individuals. This cognitive process allows the person to preserve their self-esteem and avoid facing the truth about their own shortcomings. By blaming others, they create a narrative that protects their self-image, often leading to a distorted view of reality.

In this context, rationalization serves as a defense mechanism, enabling the person to cope with failure without a direct acknowledgment of their own role in the situation. This behavior emphasizes the discomfort some individuals may feel when confronted with personal accountability, and it enables them to maintain a more favorable view of themselves despite negative outcomes.