Stanford Marshmallow Experiment

The Stanford marshmallow experiment, conducted in the 1960s by psychologist Walter Mischel, assessed children's ability to delay gratification. In the study, children were given a choice: eat one marshmallow immediately or wait 15 minutes to receive two marshmallows. Researchers found that those who resisted the immediate temptation tended to have better life outcomes, including higher academic achievements and better emotional coping skills. The experiment highlights the importance of self-control and its long-term effects on personal success, showing how the ability to delay gratification can influence various aspects of life.