The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment

The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment, conducted in the 1970s by psychologist Walter Mischel, tested children's self-control. In the study, preschoolers were given a choice: eat one marshmallow immediately or wait 15 minutes to receive two. This experiment aimed to assess their ability to delay gratification. Results indicated that children who waited tended to have better life outcomes, including academic success and emotional health. The experiment highlights the importance of self-control and its potential long-term impact on personal development and decision-making.