In the Mischel Experiments, four year old children were tested on self control. This experiment was known as "The Marshmallow Test." Children were given one marshmallow that they were told they could eat at anytime, but if they waited 15 minutes they could receive another. The children in this study were later interviewed as adults and those who showed less self control with the marshmallows also struggled with problems in relationships and substance abuse. It is now believed that happiness and success is correlated with higher levels of self control.
I've heard about this experiment in the past and I found it rather interesting how as we become older we tend to have less self control than we used to when we were younger! As they become older certain situations such a relationship or even abuse is hard to manage which is sad because I do know many people that are like this.
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