The Marshmallow Experiment and Self-Control

The marshmallow test conducted in the 1970s at Stanford University aimed to measure children's self-control by offering them a choice between one treat now or two treats later. Results showed that children who could wait for the second marshmallow tended to have better life outcomes, including higher SAT scores, stronger college credentials, and improved physical fitness. However, subsequent variations of the experiment revealed that factors such as socioeconomic background, race, and family dynamics significantly influenced children's ability to delay gratification. This indicated that outcomes were not solely about individual willpower but were also shaped by the conditions in which children were raised and their inherent trust in adults' promises.