Have you ever thought about a research based on marshmallows and children to assess their behavior? As I said before, our childhood behavior will influence our personality later. Let me show you a bit of this study.
A Stanford University psychology researcher Michael Mischel demonstrated the importance of self-discipline (an ability to delay immediate gratification in exchange for a long term goal achievement) to a lifelong success.
In a longitudinal study, which began in the 1960s, Michael offered a marshmallow to hungry 4-year-olds, but told them that if they could wait for him to return after running an errand, they could have two marshmallows.
Those who could wait fifteen or twenty minutes for the experimenter could demonstrate the ability to delay gratification and control impulse. The group was split in three parts. One-third of of the children grabbed the single marshmallow right away, a few others waited a little longer and about one-third were able to wait 15 or 20 minutes for the researcher to return.
When the children graduated from high school, the differences between the groups were dramatic: the resisters were more positive, self-motivating, persistent when facing hardship, and were able to delay gratification and achieve their goals. They had become successful people which resulted in more successful marriages, higher incomes, greater career satisfaction, better health, and more fulfilling lives than most of the population.
In a longitudinal study, which began in the 1960s, Michael offered a marshmallow to hungry 4-year-olds, but told them that if they could wait for him to return after running an errand, they could have two marshmallows.
Those who could wait fifteen or twenty minutes for the experimenter could demonstrate the ability to delay gratification and control impulse. The group was split in three parts. One-third of of the children grabbed the single marshmallow right away, a few others waited a little longer and about one-third were able to wait 15 or 20 minutes for the researcher to return.
When the children graduated from high school, the differences between the groups were dramatic: the resisters were more positive, self-motivating, persistent when facing hardship, and were able to delay gratification and achieve their goals. They had become successful people which resulted in more successful marriages, higher incomes, greater career satisfaction, better health, and more fulfilling lives than most of the population.
Those having grabbed the marshmallow were more troubled, stubborn and indecisive, mistrustful, less self-confident, and still could not put off gratification. They had trouble while subordinating immediate impulses to achieve long-range goals. When it was time to study for a big exam, they tended to get distracted during the activities which could brought instant gratification. This impulse followed them throughout their lives and resulted in unsuccessful marriages, low job satisfaction and low income, bad health, and frustrating lives.
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