The Marshmallow Test

Editorial Review

The Marshmallow Test is an experiment where some children were observed to see when and how they become able to exert sufficient self-resistance to choose waiting for two marshmallows rather than having one right away. Resistance was very easy for some of them while it was very difficult for the others. It was found that the ability to resist temptation depends on some conditions and on the way each one thinks of the treat. They could cool hot temptation, delay gratification and achieve self-control by following mental processes and strategies. The children involved in the Marshmallow Experiment were followed up and information about them was collected several years after as adolescents and adults. Some connections between their behaviors in the experiment and how they fared later in life was suspected. Children who can resist the temptation remain high in self-control over the years. As adolescents, they can control themselves in frustrating situations, yield less to different kinds of temptation, less distractible when trying to concentrate, more intelligent, self-reliant, confident and trust their own judgment, and when under stress they never go into pieces. They think ahead and plan more and when motivated they were more able to pursue their goals. As adults, they were able to reach their goals, reach higher education levels and make money. They are happier and healthier.