Self-deception is the act of deceiving oneself, or the state of being deceived by one's own mind, typically to avoid unpleasant truths or feelings. It involves holding beliefs that are contradicted by evidence or logical reasoning, often driven by a desire to maintain a positive self-image or to protect oneself from anxiety, fear, or shame. This cognitive bias allows individuals to rationalize their behaviors, downplay their flaws, and perceive the world in a way that is more favorable to their ego. The extent of self-deception can range from minor illusions to deeply ingrained, persistent falsehoods that significantly impact one's judgment and actions.
Self-deception meaning with examples
- Despite mounting evidence of his declining health, John engaged in self-deception by insisting he was fine. He dismissed doctor's warnings and attributed his fatigue to 'just getting older,' allowing him to avoid confronting the seriousness of his condition and the possibility of difficult treatments. This fostered his denial, enabling him to maintain a false sense of normalcy for an extended time.
- Sarah, convinced of her superior intelligence, practiced self-deception by rejecting any feedback that challenged her views. She readily interpreted criticism as jealousy or misunderstanding, conveniently disregarding information that might indicate she was mistaken, protecting her ego. This perpetuated a cycle of arrogance, preventing her from learning or improving, which had negative consequences in her career.
- After a financial loss, Mark comforted himself with self-deception, telling himself that the market would 'bounce back' and that his investments were sound. He ignored expert advice and continued pouring more money into the failing venture, clinging to the false hope of recovery, which ultimately lead to even greater financial difficulty and stress.
- A politician might engage in self-deception, believing their intentions are always pure, while overlooking the unethical implications of their actions or policies. They construct narratives that justify their choices and deflect criticism, even when those choices contradict their purported values. This allows them to maintain their public image and stay in power for an extended period of time.
- Consumed by jealousy, Emily practiced self-deception by exaggerating her partner's innocent interactions with others, imagining scenarios that fueled her insecurity. She would selectively focus on insignificant details and fabricate narratives of infidelity, thus creating a skewed perception of the relationship, damaging her trust and potentially leading to unnecessary conflict and strife.
Self-deception Synonyms
cognitive bias delusion denial false belief illusions rationalization self-deceit self-delusion wishful thinkingSelf-deception Antonyms
clarity discernment honesty insight objectivity realism self-awareness truthfulnessSelf-deception Crossword Answers
10 Letters
SELFDECEIT