Q&A With Dr Walter Mischel, author of The Marshmallow Test - ANSWERS BACK

As gorgeously said. Is there a way of learning or encouraging self-discipline as an adult for a particular area, whether that is dieting, smoking, drug abuse, etc?

I would like to know does this test work with children that learn at a slower pace than most children that are the same age? Children that might have learning difficulties due to the way their brain works? Children that are impulsive and don't think before they react?

I haven't had chance to do my review of the book yet, suffice to say it was a very interesting read! Proper review later.

A question for Dr Mischel - Given that the "marshmallow now" vs "marshmallow later" behaviour is contingent on trust, and that future-planning can be dependent on getting people to visualise themselves at that point in time, what advice would you give for politicians coming up for election next year, on issues like climate change and "austerity"? There always seem to be a lot of "marshmallow now" promises in the run-up to the election, and the longer-term issues get overlooked - are they correct in the apparent assumption that voters are not to be trusted to hold out for "marshmallow later"?

Also interested to hear the reply to slightlyglitterstained's advertising question posted above!

I got my book a couple of days ago - crazy busy weekend means I haven't started it yet, but should be able to this evening. Looking forward to it.

I would like to ask Dr. Mischel:

Would he prefer to have a marshmallow now, or two marshmallows later?

Thank you MN for sending me a copy of The Marshmallow Test, I've been really enjoying it. I'm whizzing through it now but it will remain on the bookshelf for future reference and dipping back into. It's a good read.

The concept of this test intrigued me from the moment I heard about it, because whilst I consider myself to have poor impulse control with regard to certain things (food choices - quick high fat/sugar 'immediate satisfaction' options rather than wise, pre-planned options) but also I have strong resolve and a capacity for delayed gratification in other arenas (financial planning, longterm-conscious behaviour rather than snap purchases) so I wondered if my childhood self would have eaten the second marshmallow or not, hypothetically!

Anyhow, upon reading the book, I gather that all is not lost, as our brains have "plasticity" and malleability even past those early, formative years. Indeed, again considering my own situation, given that I can exercise restraint in certain areas, the skill should be transferable. I think that the book would be of interest to anyone interested in their own willpower, or with regard to their children's development and behaviour.

I don't yet have children of my own (though I remain steadfastly optimistic, in spite of crappy odds) I wonder whether I'd be able to resist the temptation to set up a 'test' environment for my child at key developmental stages and note the results... one marshmallow or two?

Oh Slightlyglitter, you've reminded me of the adverts that were screened recently showing a mock up of the original experiment using haribo or moam or similar.

Dr Mischel, how do you feel about the irony of your self control test being used to encourage people to abandon self control and tempt them buy the "treat"?

Perfect timing. I had already bought the book without seeing this thread because the whole experiment has always fascinated me. I think i may be responsible for half your wiki links. People don't believe me when i describe your experiment! Delighted I have a rare morning off work and ds is at nursery that morning. .

Quarter of the way in and the book is great. I think the whole premise is similar to the Chimp Brain but this is 100% more readable. (Hot instincts=chimp brain and cold thinking=human thinking).

Anyway, I have lots of questions and will probably add more, but number one is: As a child my family was very poor, so when I see something I want, I have a hot impulse to have it now, because I don't trust it will be there again tomorrow (think bad food, alcohol, a reduced item). As a consequence, I am obese, drink too much and poor. What would be your recommendation for me?

Apologies if this is covered later in the book, just reached the "if, then" section and would like further resources on this if available.

I am going to read more over the weekend, but I must say it is wonderful to read your actual experiences.

Have only just seen this, so haven't had a chance to read the book yet (but looking forward to getting it!).

Found this interview by a former student which might be interesting (and answers some of the questions above): www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/struggles-psychologist-studying-self-control

My question would be: if self-control can be taught by teaching people to re-frame how they see a desirable object, how will advertisers respond to that? As our understanding of triggers for behaviour grows, so too does the sophistication of all the techniques that corporations use to encourage us to choose their products.

Can learning self-control help to "ad-proof" our children, or will it be a constantly escalating arms race?

I did the marshmallow test with my dd when she was around 4, after having read about it in a book. I was relieved to find that she was able to wait for the extra marshmallow! :)

She is now 9, and she is still able to delay gratification when required - she has more self-discipline than I do!

Surely it's a test of reliability of the adults in the childs life? If a child is always being told "We'll go to the park later", "we'll have some chocolate after dinner", and then the adult doesn't deliver. Then the child will react differently to one who does get what they are given...

So, how is this parental reliability controlled for in any conclusion in lifetime success, I would hypothesise that an unreliable parent is likely to have a lower attaining child for so many reasons beyond the self control of the child.

Just marking my place as my book has arrived. I'll be starting it tonight.

What age were the participants of the tests

Book has arrived! :)

My book hasn't arrived yet - hopefully it's en route...

mine come today yipee xx

Aw, I'm sad I didn't get included in the giveaway. This experiment fascinates me!

Me too. So excited

Just found out that I am going to receive a copy of The Marshmallow Test - so looking forward to it! :)

Just been told I am one of the lucky ones to get the free book cannot wait to start reading

Yay! Really looking forward to reading this.

sooooo excited ... just got my email