aitautuminen

Aitautuminen is a Finnish term that translates to "self-deception" or "self-delusion" in English. It refers to the psychological process where an individual consciously or unconsciously deceives themselves about their own thoughts, feelings, or motivations. This can manifest in various ways, such as denying a painful truth, rationalizing unacceptable behavior, or maintaining a false belief about oneself or a situation.

The concept of aitautuminen is rooted in understanding how humans cope with cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values. To alleviate this discomfort, individuals might engage in aitautuminen, creating a more palatable internal reality. This can be a defense mechanism to protect self-esteem or avoid facing difficult emotions.

While sometimes a temporary coping strategy, persistent aitautuminen can hinder personal growth and prevent individuals from addressing underlying issues. Recognizing and challenging self-deception is often considered a crucial step towards greater self-awareness and authenticity. The term is used in discussions related to psychology, philosophy, and self-help.