Behavior substitution is a strategy used in behavior change to help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. It involves identifying a specific, unwanted behavior and replacing it with a new, more desirable behavior. For example, if a person wants to quit smoking, they might use behavior substitution by replacing the behavior of smoking with a different behavior, such as chewing gum or going for a walk. The goal of behavior substitution is to find a behavior that satisfies the same psychological need or desire as the unwanted behavior, but is less harmful or problematic. This can be an effective way to change behavior, as it allows individuals to continue to fulfill their psychological needs, while also making positive changes in their lives.
