What is the purpose of gradual fading of supports in habit formation?

• A. To automate behavior by reducing external supports over time
• B. To include new tasks
• C. To speed up program completion
• D. To increase dependence on supports

Answer: (A)

In habit formation, gradually fading supports helps shift control from external prompts to the learner’s own actions and the natural environment. By starting with strong supports and methodically reducing them, the behavior is more likely to be performed independently, reinforcing automaticity and keeping the habit intact once prompts are removed. This approach also minimizes prompt dependence and supports maintenance across settings. The other options don’t fit because adding tasks isn’t about building automaticity, speeding the process isn’t the goal, and increasing dependence would undermine the purpose of forming a durable habit.