“The Marshmallow Test: Understanding Self-Control and How to Master It” is a fascinating exploration of willpower by the psychologist who pioneered research on delayed gratification. Walter Mischel takes readers on a journey through decades of ground-breaking studies to reveal the cognitive and emotional processes that enable self-control.

At the heart of the book is Mischel’s famous marshmallow experiment, in which children were given a choice between one treat now or two treats if they could wait. This deceptively simple test turned out to predict future success in many areas of life. Mischel examines why some children were able to wait while others gave in, and what this tells us about the nature of self-control.

Readers will learn:

• How self-control operates in the brain
• Strategies to cool “hot” emotions and resist temptation
• Ways to reframe situations to make delaying gratification easier
• The impact of trust and reliability on a child’s ability to wait
• Techniques to distance yourself from immediate desires
• How to set up your environment to support long-term goals

Mischel goes beyond theory to offer practical applications, showing how self-control principles can be applied to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, and achieve other important life goals. He also explores the implications for education, parenting, and public policy.

Written in an engaging, accessible style, this book will appeal to:

“The Marshmallow Test” overturns conventional thinking about willpower, showing that self-control can be learned and strengthened at any age. Filled with fascinating studies and real-world examples, it provides an authoritative look at the science of self-control and offers valuable lessons for living a more successful and fulfilling life.