Chapter 1: The Marshmallow Test Explained

Many may be unfamiliar with the Marshmallow Test, a well-known experiment conducted by Stanford researcher Walter Mischel. In this pivotal study, children were faced with a marshmallow and given the choice to eat it immediately or wait for a reward of two marshmallows after a brief period—approximately 15 minutes—of restraint.

Traditionally, findings from this study suggested that the ability to delay gratification was linked to future success, including higher SAT scores and better career trajectories. Adults who had waited for the marshmallow were reported to have lower rates of substance abuse, healthier body weights, and even more stable relationships. The New Yorker provided an uncritical overview of this narrative, emphasizing the importance of controlling the "hot" aspects of one's environment—focusing on distancing oneself from temptation through mental reframing.

However, emerging research has shed light on significant limitations of the original study. According to Daniel Benjamin from UCLA Anderson, the correlation between waiting times and positive life outcomes was not statistically significant when adjusted for variables such as family background and intelligence. This suggests that the factors contributing to success are more complex than simply being able to wait for a treat.

Section 1.1: Context Matters

A parallel investigation conducted in 1970 focused on children from lower-income families, revealing that they were less likely to delay gratification—only 3 out of 15 could wait compared to 11 out of 15 from more advantaged backgrounds. Interestingly, when these impulsive children were shown real candy after the initial trial, their willingness to wait improved dramatically in subsequent tests.

“An interesting and perhaps more important analysis… indicates that disadvantaged children cannot categorically be termed ‘nondelayers.’”

This raises questions about why some children find it easier to wait than others. In a different study, kids who were promised crayons prior to the marshmallow experiment demonstrated an average waiting time of 12 minutes if the promise was fulfilled. Conversely, if the promise was broken, they only waited an average of 3 minutes, attributing their impatience to a lack of trust in the adult involved.

As researcher Laura Michaelson articulated, the ability to delay gratification is heavily influenced by social trust—something often overlooked in major theories on self-control.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Environment

Self-regulation is not a static characteristic; it evolves through interactions with one's environment. This principle emphasizes that individual behaviors cannot be simplified into a binary of “better” or “worse” self-control. Each person's context plays a crucial role in shaping their actions and responses.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Generational Context

The capacity to endure unpleasant tasks is often linked to the belief that immediate efforts will yield future rewards. Psychological frameworks tend to focus on individual behaviors while neglecting broader socio-economic factors. For instance, experiencing economic downturns can fundamentally alter an entire generation's outlook. Research titled "Growing Up in a Recession" indicates that individuals who witnessed economic hardships during their formative years are more likely to believe that success is contingent upon luck rather than hard work.

The lessons from these studies demonstrate that people's perceptions and beliefs are shaped by their experiences. If the prevailing narrative shows that opportunities are dwindling or that rewards are being unfairly distributed, it’s only natural for individuals to question the value of adherence to rules.