Abstract
Delay of gratification in young children has been linked to long-term behavioral and academic outcomes. This study explored
temperament, personality, and child–parent attachment as possible associates of delay ability. The sample consisted of 50
2- and 3-year-old children and their primary caregivers. Two laboratory tasks, the Preschool Strange Situation and the newly
created Gift Delay Task, were conducted on separate occasions to assess child–parent attachment and delay of gratification,
respectively. Parents and preschool teachers completed child temperament (EASI-III) and personality (California Child Q-Set)
questionnaires. Based on the award-oriented behavior in the Gift Delay Task, children were classified into three groups: Delay
(20 %), Touch and Go (i.e., approached the gift, but demonstrated some delay ability; 46 %), and Non Delay (34 %). Reports
on activity, impulsivity, decision time, negative emotionality, over-control, and affect were found to be associated with
delay ability. The association between child–parent attachment and delay was not statistically significant, but an interesting
trend emerged. A larger percentage of Non Delayers were rated as Insecure-Ambivalent (“C”), and more Delayers were rated as
Securely attached (“B”). Implications for behavioral interventions focused on parental support and scaffolding are discussed.
temperament, personality, and child–parent attachment as possible associates of delay ability. The sample consisted of 50
2- and 3-year-old children and their primary caregivers. Two laboratory tasks, the Preschool Strange Situation and the newly
created Gift Delay Task, were conducted on separate occasions to assess child–parent attachment and delay of gratification,
respectively. Parents and preschool teachers completed child temperament (EASI-III) and personality (California Child Q-Set)
questionnaires. Based on the award-oriented behavior in the Gift Delay Task, children were classified into three groups: Delay
(20 %), Touch and Go (i.e., approached the gift, but demonstrated some delay ability; 46 %), and Non Delay (34 %). Reports
on activity, impulsivity, decision time, negative emotionality, over-control, and affect were found to be associated with
delay ability. The association between child–parent attachment and delay was not statistically significant, but an interesting
trend emerged. A larger percentage of Non Delayers were rated as Insecure-Ambivalent (“C”), and more Delayers were rated as
Securely attached (“B”). Implications for behavioral interventions focused on parental support and scaffolding are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10826-012-9600-6
- Authors
- Renu Mittal, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd, Unit 2058, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Beth S. Russell, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd, Unit 2058, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Preston A. Britner, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd, Unit 2058, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Philip K. Peake, Psychology Department, Smith College, Amherst, MA, USA
- Journal Journal of Child and Family Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-2843
- Print ISSN 1062-1024