A recent study by scientists at Columbia University in the United States examined the ability of small children to put off gratification for the sake of a desired reward. The children were offered a choice of two treats, the one a little more desirable than the other​—say, one cookie versus two. They could have the better treat only if they waited until the teacher returned. However, they could end the wait at any time by ringing a bell, whereupon they would get the lesser treat and lose out on the better one. Scientists recorded their behavior and checked the development of these same children ten years later.

Science magazine reports that the children who more readily delayed gratification fared better as adolescents. They were more competent socially and scholastically and were better able to cope with stress and frustration.

As Science magazine put it: “To function effectively, individuals must voluntarily postpone immediate gratification and persist in goal-directed behavior for the sake of later outcomes.”