Which mindset is evidenced by a person invoking their busyness to avoid a necessary appointment?

The mindset demonstrated by a person who invokes their busyness to avoid a necessary appointment is rationalization. This is a defense mechanism wherein an individual creates excuses or justifications for avoiding a situation that might be uncomfortable or require them to confront an issue. By claiming they are too busy, the person is essentially providing a seemingly logical explanation for their avoidance, even if it masks a deeper reluctance to engage in the appointment. This reflects an attempt to mitigate feelings of guilt or anxiety associated with not attending the meeting.

In contrast, other choices do not encapsulate this behavior as effectively. Wishful thinking is more about hoping for a desired outcome without a realistic basis, while academic detachment refers to a lack of emotional involvement in intellectual pursuits. Causal oversimplification involves attributing complex outcomes to a single cause, which doesn’t quite align with the scenario at hand. Thus, rationalization accurately characterizes the act of using busyness as a cover for avoidance.