Some researchers believe that cognitive processes play an important role in self-control. What strategies children use to wait out the delay period and obtain the larger reward in the experiment with children using delay of gratification task?
Non-preffered item or smaller reward
Preferred item or larger reward
COGNITIVE FACTORS IN SELF-CONTROL
Children who can avoid attending to a
reward are generally more resistant to temptation. Mischel (1966 & 1974) studied this in children Some of their strategies were to: Avert their eyes and not look at the rewards Did something else: talked or sang, or invent games Did better if told to focus on the abstract properties
COGNITIVE FACTORS IN SELF-CONTROL
Focused on abstract properties of reward
E.g. Viewed pretzels as tiny logs Viewed marshmallows as soft fluffy pillows
COGNITIVE FACTORS IN SELF-CONTROL
Children who focused on the desired
outcome, and conceptualized it as a desired outcome or in concrete manner, generally became impulsive and unable to wait long enough to receive larger later reward compared to those who focused on the abstract properties of the reward.
COGNITIVE FACTORS IN SELF-CONTROL
In the follow-up research, children who devised strategies that enabled them to wait for the preferred reward, many years later became:
More cognitively and socially competent
Academically proficient Could cope well with frustrations Got along well with peers
This suggests that ones ability to devise tactics
to delay gratification is a basic skill that can enhance many areas of ones life.
HOT/COOL SYSTEM THEORY
Metcalf and Mischel (1999) They propose that two general systems underlie our self-control behavior Hot system: Emotional, action oriented, quick to respond, under the control of external stimuli Cool system: Devoid of emotion, cognitively oriented, slow to respond, not under control of external stimuli
HOT/COOL SYSTEM THEORY
Hot/Cool analysis suggests two general means by which people can overcome temptation. Activate a nonrelevant hot system network to compete with the hot system network that has been activated by temptation Find another fun activity to distract oneself
Activate an opposing cool system that
can undermine the temptation hot system Focusing on abstract properties
HOT/COOL SYSTEM THEORY
Metcalf and Mischel (1999) Hot system develops early Cool system develops late as we develop higher levels of cognitive awareness Stress can shift us backwards Chronic stress can cause hot system dominance and thus impulsive behavior Example: After relationship breakup