What is required for punishment to be effective in suppressing behavior?

For punishment to effectively suppress behavior, it needs to be consistent and immediate. Consistency ensures that the individual clearly understands the contingency between their behavior and the punishment; they must recognize that a specific behavior will reliably lead to a negative consequence. Immediate application of punishment reinforces this connection by allowing the individual to link their action with the response. When consequences are delayed, the association between the behavior and the punishment weakens, making it less likely that the behavior will be suppressed. Therefore, for punishment to be effective in changing behavior, it is crucial that it is delivered consistently and right after the undesired behavior occurs, maintaining a clear cause-and-effect relationship.