Marshmallow test

The marshmallow test is an experimental test on delayed gratification carried out in the 1960s by one of the influential psychologists Walter Mischel. In these series of studies, a child is presented with a marshmallow. Then the child is given a choice of whether to eat the one presented before him at the moment or wait for to later. The child choice out of this text dictates and correlates to child’s behavior later in life, which is the aim of this paper.

The leading self-control expert in his experiment proves that one’s ability to delay gratification is imperative for prosperous life. Moreover, it can also be a tool to detect better cognitive functioning, better social living, high-level sense of self-worth and healthier lifestyle (Mischel, 2014).

In a societal or cultural point view, the ones who can hold and delay their gratification have good self-control hence have good manners and values such as patience, self-control, respect, willpower, and composure in the society, well behaved. On the other hand, those who eat the marshmallow lack fundamental values such as patience and lack self-control as well as the ability to control their emotions. Eating Marshmallow meaning inability to control emotions, dealing with frustrations, which all amount to self-control.

The people who have “eaten marshmallow” always have deviant behaviors because they lack self-control. They are responsible for cultural decadence and evil practices such as divorce, and even indulging themselves in bad illegal practice like alcoholism and smoking. The society can regain their balance from allowing themselves to change since self-control according to Mischel it can be acquired through practice.  

Personally, I ate marshmallow work when my workplace when I could not withstand my junior threatening me that the fake story he was accusing me of would cost me my job. Nonetheless, I have also managed to delay my gratification during a period my salaries was withheld for several months. I will, therefore, set good precedence and limits to my kids in consistency to archive self-control.

In conclusion, the marshmallow test is a revelation and an excellent test tool to parents about the fortunes of their children because it is synonymous with life elements such as willpower, temptation, and grit.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference list

Mischel, W. (2014). The marshmallow test: Mastering self-control. New York: Little, Brown, and Co.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amsqeYOk--w