Psychology
What is Delayed gratification?
Delayed gratification is the ability to resist a smaller reward now in order to get a bigger reward later. Famously studied in the 'marshmallow test', it's linked to self-control and better long-term outcomes in health, money, and learning.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains delayed gratification.
Key things to understand
- 1It's choosing a bigger later reward over a smaller instant one.
- 2It requires self-control and patience.
- 3It was studied in the famous 'marshmallow test'.
- 4It's linked to success in health, finances, and study.
Frequently asked questions
- What is delayed gratification?
- Resisting an immediate reward to gain a larger or better reward later.
- What was the marshmallow test?
- A study where children who waited to eat one marshmallow could get two — a classic test of self-control.
- Can you improve delayed gratification?
- Yes — strategies like removing temptation, setting goals, and distraction can strengthen self-control.