May 1989 PMID 2658056

Delay of gratification in children.

W Mischel, Y Shoda, M I Rodriguez

Mentions

118
Peak: 3 in Dec 2019
across 6 sources since Dec 2019

Extended reach

206,075
potential audience

Total likes

783

Video views

45,500

Mentions per month

Dec 2019 – Aug 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News68 articles
  • Blogs24 articles
  • X / Twitter19 posts
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook3 posts
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a mostly supportive and interested view of the publication, with participants referencing foundational studies like Mischel's marshmallow test and connecting findings to success and social outcomes. By mentioning follow-up work and societal questions, the tone and word choice highlight both respect for the research and curiosity about its broader influence.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the importance of delay of gratification in predicting social and academic success, supporting the article's findings. Some skepticism appears regarding long-term claims, but overall support is evident.

InterestHigh interest

The concept sparks high interest, with many posts referencing its relevance to success, childhood development, and societal outcomes, indicating strong engagement with the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts involve specific examples, such as the classic marshmallow test, and mention related studies and societal implications, suggesting moderate depth of engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While some users express that understanding delay of gratification could improve educational and social programs, the overall perceived impact remains moderate, with some critique on replicability and broader societal implications.

Abstract in brief

  • Delayed gratification in children involves the ability to postpone immediate rewards in favor of achieving better long-term outcomes, which requires self-control and goal persistence.
  • Early differences in self-control can be observed as young as preschool age, with children who delay gratification longer tending to become more socially and academically successful adolescents who handle stress and frustration better.
  • Research identified specific cognitive and attention skills that help young children develop self-regulation, and certain delay situations in preschool can predict later cognitive and social competence.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Héctor Ruiz Martín
@hruizmartin · X

Mischel, W., Shoda, Y., y Rodriguez, M. I. (1989). Delay of gratification in children. Science, 244(4907), 933-938. Strayhorn Jr, J. M. (2002). Self-control: Toward systematic training programs. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(1), 17-27.

Dec 14, 2019 · 34 likes · 2 shares · 57,032 followers View post →
Kevin Mitchell
@WiringTheBrain · X

@drmichaellevin Mischel 1989 - Delay of gratification in children. But see this follow-up work, failing to replicate long-term claims: https://t.co/bsfjSea31V

Jan 8, 2023 · 24 likes · 40,362 followers View post →
MozartScience
@mozartscience · X

Kaynak: Mischel, W., Shoda, Y. and Rodriguez M. L. (1989). Delay of gratification in children, Science, 244, 4907, 933- 938 Mischel, W. and et al. (2010) Willpower over the life span: decomposing self-regulation. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Vol: 6, 2, 252–256.

Aug 15, 2020 · 20 likes · 36,300 followers View post →
Erika R. DeAngelis
@erikardeangelis · X

@SRCDtweets #SRCD2021 Make sure to stop by the symposium “Building Pipelines: Engaging Youth in Science” at 4:20pm EDT to see the absolutely incredible work that @BriaGresham and I’s high school mentee conducted on the impact of technology on delay of gratification in children!

Apr 7, 2021 · 10 likes · 1 share · 113 followers View post →
William Lamkin
@WilliamLamkin · X

@drmichaellevin Here are three: https://t.co/h2IWlK8eZH https://t.co/Ap1oTGizSq https://t.co/yQvCh2rbpH

Jan 8, 2023 · 3 likes · 7,048 followers View post →
Amir Grinstein מחקרהתנהגותי#
@AmirGrinstein · X

4/5 מחקר נוסף מ 1989 שהתפרסם בכתב העת Science על ילדים בני 4 שחזר את התוצאות והראה שלא רק שילדים שהצליחו לדחות סיפוקים הראו ביצועים טובים יותר בלימודים אלא הם גם התמודדו טוב יותר בהמשך חייהם עם אתגרים, תסכולים ומתח. https://t.co/SQBwFzYWQl

Aug 21, 2022 · 2 likes · 6,472 followers View post →

All mentions

Psicólogo Celestino González-Fernández ψ
@Tecnoestres · X

Delay of #Gratification in Children @ScienceMagazine #Tecnoestrés https://t.co/wPo57qIWra

Feb 21, 2025 · 2,909 followers View post →
Jet
@Jjack727 · X

…•McLanahan, S., & Sandefur, G. (1994). Growing Up with a Single Parent: What Hurts, What Helps. •Mischel, W., Shoda, Y., & Rodriguez, M. L. (1989). “Delay of Gratification in Children.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(2), 209.

Nov 7, 2024 · 1 followers View post →
落ちこぼれを引きずるパパ
@itamae_naru · X

【目の前の誘惑に負けにくい方法】 マシュマロテストより、ただ意志力任せでは多くの子供がマシュマロを食べてしまったが、「気を逸らす」「再評価」はかなり効果があった https://t.co/Dz1bFkv49d

Jul 2, 2024 · 1 like · 45 followers View post →
Guilherme
@guiluisoliveira · X

@edwardwrites11 https://t.co/veWWMFk32r This one is good!

May 17, 2024 · 1 like · 203 followers View post →
@jennygila
@jennylga1 · X

RT @hruizmartin: Mischel, W., Shoda, Y., y Rodriguez, M. I. (1989). Delay of gratification in children. Science, 244(4907), 933-938. Stray…

Jan 5, 2024 · 2 shares · 81 followers View post →
Peter Weyand
@WeyandPete25871 · X

@danger5tv @BerkeleyPsych Why are all the doors locked in your building by the way? Are you hoarding COVID variants? I've noticed this bitch https://t.co/3RH1EliteL has a paper on "Delay of gratification in children". Is that why I can't jerk off without being gassed with drugs?

Dec 13, 2023 · 69 followers View post →
Monadnock
@Monadnock_ · X

Teaching children self control emotional regulation and delayed gratification must be racist and white supremacy seeing how it leads to better outcomes later in life. https://t.co/AavLrSDsSj

Aug 13, 2023 · 390 followers View post →
William Lamkin
@WilliamLamkin · X

@drmichaellevin Here are three: https://t.co/h2IWlK8eZH https://t.co/Ap1oTGizSq https://t.co/yQvCh2rbpH

Jan 8, 2023 · 3 likes · 7,048 followers View post →
Kevin Mitchell
@WiringTheBrain · X

@drmichaellevin Mischel 1989 - Delay of gratification in children. But see this follow-up work, failing to replicate long-term claims: https://t.co/bsfjSea31V

Jan 8, 2023 · 24 likes · 40,362 followers View post →
Medical Xpress
@physorg_health · X

Three ways app developers keep kids glued to the screen—and what to do about it @ConversationEDU https://t.co/8ESVDaMmjF https://t.co/NNyy0pCqHk

Oct 18, 2022 · 7,078 followers View post →
Amir Grinstein מחקרהתנהגותי#
@AmirGrinstein · X

4/5 מחקר נוסף מ 1989 שהתפרסם בכתב העת Science על ילדים בני 4 שחזר את התוצאות והראה שלא רק שילדים שהצליחו לדחות סיפוקים הראו ביצועים טובים יותר בלימודים אלא הם גם התמודדו טוב יותר בהמשך חייהם עם אתגרים, תסכולים ומתח. https://t.co/SQBwFzYWQl

Aug 21, 2022 · 2 likes · 6,472 followers View post →
Harsh Sanghavi
@HarshKSanghavi · X

@dharmeshba @ShaneAParrish Interesting. There is a ton of research on the value of delayed gratification in determining success. https://t.co/QWjNGZkuhl

Jun 11, 2022 · 1 like · 167 followers View post →
Bria Gresham
@BriaGresham · X

RT @erikardeangelis: @SRCDtweets #SRCD2021 Make sure to stop by the symposium “Building Pipelines: Engaging Youth in Science” at 4:20pm EDT…

Apr 7, 2021 · 1 share · 277 followers View post →
Erika R. DeAngelis
@erikardeangelis · X

@SRCDtweets #SRCD2021 Make sure to stop by the symposium “Building Pipelines: Engaging Youth in Science” at 4:20pm EDT to see the absolutely incredible work that @BriaGresham and I’s high school mentee conducted on the impact of technology on delay of gratification in children!

Apr 7, 2021 · 10 likes · 1 share · 113 followers View post →
Prof Jayant Vaidya
@jsvaidya · X

4-year old children who could wait longer - and get 2 marshmallows - rather than instant gratification with just 1 - were cognitively and socially more competent adolescents. https://t.co/EQfXk1v3n8 Surely adults must be able to do better especially when lives matter! https://t.co/CvntTdOyph

Nov 23, 2020 · 2 likes · 1,084 followers View post →
MozartScience
@mozartscience · X

Kaynak: Mischel, W., Shoda, Y. and Rodriguez M. L. (1989). Delay of gratification in children, Science, 244, 4907, 933- 938 Mischel, W. and et al. (2010) Willpower over the life span: decomposing self-regulation. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Vol: 6, 2, 252–256.

Aug 15, 2020 · 20 likes · 36,300 followers View post →
Delicious Love Radio
@dlove_radio · X

Delay of gratification in children https://t.co/qeJKyT8PCq

May 22, 2020 · 811 followers View post →
Aurelia Pimentel
@AurePimentel · X

RT @hruizmartin: Mischel, W., Shoda, Y., y Rodriguez, M. I. (1989). Delay of gratification in children. Science, 244(4907), 933-938. Stray…

Dec 14, 2019 · 2 shares · 116 followers View post →
Héctor Ruiz Martín
@hruizmartin.bsky.social · Bluesky

Mischel, W., Shoda, Y., y Rodriguez, M. I. (1989). Delay of gratification in children. Science, 244(4907), 933-938. Strayhorn Jr, J. M. (2002). Self-control: Toward systematic training programs. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(1), 17-27.

Dec 14, 2019 · 1 share View post →
Héctor Ruiz Martín
@hruizmartin · X

Mischel, W., Shoda, Y., y Rodriguez, M. I. (1989). Delay of gratification in children. Science, 244(4907), 933-938. Strayhorn Jr, J. M. (2002). Self-control: Toward systematic training programs. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(1), 17-27.

Dec 14, 2019 · 34 likes · 2 shares · 57,032 followers View post →