The Marshmallow Experiment

The Marshmallow Experiment, conducted in the 1960s by psychologist Walter Mischel, studied delayed gratification in children. In the experiment, a child was offered a choice: eat one marshmallow immediately or wait 15 minutes to receive two. The results showed that children who could wait tended to have better life outcomes, such as higher academic achievement and better coping skills. This study highlighted the importance of self-control and the ability to delay immediate rewards for greater long-term benefits, influencing our understanding of personal development and decision-making.