Mischel's theories on personality

Walter Mischel's theories on personality emphasize that individual behavior is more influenced by the situation than fixed traits. He challenged the idea that people consistently behave the same way across all circumstances, suggesting instead that personality reflects patterns of behavior that vary with context. His famous “marshmallow test” demonstrated how some children can delay gratification, linking self-control to future success. Overall, Mischel believed personality is dynamic, shaped by both personal expectations and situational factors, making behavior flexible rather than purely determined by innate traits.