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MENTAL MODEL · M0244

Delay of Gratification

Delay of Gratification
BehaviorHigh supportDevelopmental Psychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The famous 'Marshmallow Experiment' (Walter Mischel). It refers to the choice orientation of willingly giving up immediate gratification in order to achieve more valuable long-term outcomes.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Foundation of long-termism: it is the psychological basis for all anti-instinctive behaviors such as saving, fitness, and deep learning. - Allocation of willpower: however, modern research adds that excessive delay of gratification may lead to 'compulsive frugality', requiring a balance between enjoying the present and investing in the future.

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Delay of gratification refers to resisting immediate temptations for greater long-term rewards, often regarded as a predictor of self-regulation and success. The marshmallow experiment showed that children who could wait performed better later in life, but subsequent research emphasized the role of trust and context.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_gratificationZH · Explicit
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