Which concept involves creating excuses to justify one's actions or beliefs?

The concept of rationalization involves generating excuses or justifications for one's actions, beliefs, or feelings, often to maintain a sense of self-esteem or to align one's behavior with a personal narrative. It allows individuals to provide ostensibly logical reasons for choices that might otherwise seem unjustifiable. For example, someone who engages in a behavior they know is wrong might rationalize it by claiming that it was a necessary step in achieving a greater good. This mechanism helps individuals cope with cognitive dissonance—the mental discomfort that arises when one's beliefs clash with their actions.

In contrast, wishful thinking refers to the formation of beliefs based on what is pleasing to imagine rather than on evidence or reality. Causal oversimplification involves attributing complex issues to simplistic causes, which does not align with the nuance involved in rationalization. Tabloid thinking is characterized by sensationalism and often superficial understanding, focusing less on personal justification of actions and more on outrageous ideas for entertainment purposes. Thus, rationalization directly relates to the process of excusing or justifying actions, making it the correct choice in this context.