Unconsciously motivated by miserliness, mr. rioja refused his son's request for money to buy the books he needs for school. in defending his actions, mr. rioja explained that "parental financial aid prevents teenagers from developing into mature, independent adults." mr. rioja's explanation is an example of?

Mr. Rioja's explanation is an example of Rationalization

Explanation:

In psychology and logic, rationalization or rationalisation (also known as making excuses) is a defense mechanism in which controversial behaviors or feelings are justified and explained in a seemingly rational or logical manner to avoid the true explanation, and are made consciously tolerable—or even admirable and superior—by plausible means. It is also an informal fallacy of reasoning.

Here Mr. Rioja rationalizes his decision by masking it in the notion that if he helps his child he will not be independent. He wants to avoid the feeling of disappointment and helplessness.