The Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel

Book Summary:

The title refers to Mischel's famous "marshmallow test," an experiment conducted in the 1960s where children were given a choice between one small reward immediately or two small rewards if they waited for a short period, usually about 15 minutes. The study aimed to assess the children's ability to delay gratification. Follow-up studies indicated that those who exercised self-control tended to have better life outcomes, including higher SAT scores, educational attainment, and healthier body mass indexes. 

In his book, Mischel explores the cognitive and emotional mechanisms behind self-control, discussing how it can be developed and strengthened. He emphasizes that self-control is not an innate trait but a skill that can be cultivated through specific strategies and practices. The book also addresses the role of situational factors and how our environment influences our ability to exercise self-control.

About the Author:

Walter Mischel (1930–2018) was an Austrian-born American psychologist renowned for his work on personality theory and social psychology. Born in Vienna, he fled with his family to the United States in 1938, settling in Brooklyn, New York. Mischel earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Ohio State University in 1956. Throughout his career, he held faculty positions at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Colorado, Harvard University, Stanford University, and Columbia University. Mischel's research significantly advanced our understanding of self-regulation and its impact on behavior and success. 

"The Marshmallow Test" provides valuable insights into the science of self-control, offering practical advice on how individuals can improve their decision-making and achieve long-term goals by mastering the art of delaying gratification.