The marshmallow test and gratitude

The Marshmallow test is a famous psychological experiment where children were given the choice between one marshmallow now or two after an hour. Children who chose the latter tended to do better later in life. I mentioned before that the marshmallow test has become somewhat controversial. Children who are less inclined to wait for bigger rewards later tend to have also a background where such behavior makes sense. And if you have parents who tend not to keep their promises that will impact your future also in other ways. Now a NY Times article (The Only Way to Keep Your Resolutions) puts the subject into a new perspective by discussing studies the important role that social bounds play in our ability to makes sacrifices now in favor of wins in the future. Pride, gratitude and compassion are important motivators to better yourself. In one experiment - for example - people were induced to feel neutral, happy or grateful. The latter did best on a kind of marshmallow test.