The thought behind this is that the person may, over time, learn to more independently seek out appropriate options rather than the undesired behavior(s).
However, the new target could equally lead to new undesired behaviors.
Sexual abuse, also referred to as molestation, is the forcing of undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another.
Simultaneously the teacher can then "earn points" for catching the students engaging in predetermined undesired behaviors.
With uncautious use, macro substitution may result in variable capture and lead to undesired behavior.
By shifting energy in the forms of the response given to undesired behavior the outcomes are controlled.
An example might be a child's toy taken away after after the child does an undesired behaviour.
If the reinforcer is too late, by even a few seconds, then the animal can start an undesired behavior.
With punishment, the negative experience is a direct consequence of undesired behavior on the part of the subject.
Contingency contracts have been seen to be effective in changing any undesired behaviors of individuals.