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What is delayed gratification?

PsychologyLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

Delayed gratification is the ability to resist a smaller reward now in order to get a bigger reward later. Famously studied in the 'marshmallow test', it's linked to self-control and better long-term outcomes in health, money, and learning. It's choosing a bigger later reward over a smaller instant one.

Key things to understand

  1. It's choosing a bigger later reward over a smaller instant one.
  2. It requires self-control and patience.
  3. It was studied in the famous 'marshmallow test'.
  4. It's linked to success in health, finances, and study.

People also ask

What is delayed gratification?
Resisting an immediate reward to gain a larger or better reward later.
What was the marshmallow test?
A study where children who waited to eat one marshmallow could get two — a classic test of self-control.
Can you improve delayed gratification?
Yes — strategies like removing temptation, setting goals, and distraction can strengthen self-control.