Cognitive person variables in the delay of gratification of older children at risk.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational study evaluating cognitive predictors of delay behavior (graded by design analogy).
PubMed 2760808 · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.57.2.358
What was done
The study examined self-regulation in older children with social adjustment problems using a self-imposed delay of gratification paradigm. Researchers evaluated how actual delay time related to cognitive person variables: attention deployment strategies (distracting oneself from tempting elements during delay), knowledge of delay rules, and intelligence, evaluating their independent contributions when controlling for relevant covariates.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, effect sizes, or test statistics. Qualitatively, concurrent indices of intelligence, attention deployment, and delay time were positively related. Children who spent a higher proportion of time distracting themselves delayed longer, an effect that remained statistically significant after controlling for age, intelligence, and delay rule knowledge. Delay rule knowledge also significantly predicted delay time after controlling for age, attention deployment, and intelligence.
Why it matters
This paper shows that self-imposed delay capacity in older children at risk for social adjustment difficulties relies on specific cognitive strategies—distraction and delay rule knowledge—independent of general intelligence.
Limits
The abstract provides no sample size, exact age range, demographic characteristics, or quantitative data (correlation coefficients, p-values, or effect sizes). As an observational individual-differences design, it demonstrates statistical prediction rather than causal manipulation of cognitive strategies.
Cited by
- supports Three-year-olds incorrectly believe looking at a temptation helps delay gratification, whereas five-year-olds understand covering it helps, and older children who know effective self-control rules exhibit fewer behavioral problems.