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The “marshmallow test” of delayed gratification is actually culturally diverse

<p>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_marshmallow_experiment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford marshmallow experiment</a> is one of the most enduring child psychology studies of the last 50 years.</p> <p>The test is a simple one. A child aged between 3 and 6 had a marshmallow (later experiments also used a pretzel) placed in front of them and told that if they wait, they could have a second marshmallow when the tester returned. The original study found that those who waited for the extra marshmallow had more success as an adult than those that scoffed the marshmallow down, suggesting that being able to delay gratification is an important life skill. </p> <p>But since its inception, people have argued whether waiting for a marshmallow as a five-year-old can really tell you how successful, thin and educated you’ll be as an adult, or if there might be other, more complicated factors going on behind the scenes.</p> <p>A new study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09567976221074650?journalCode=pssa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Psychological Science</em></a> has suggested one of those factors – showing that cultural upbringing could change the way children respond.</p> <p> “We found that the ability to delay gratification – which predicts many important life outcomes – is not just about variations in genes or brain development but also about habits supported by culture,” <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/today/2022/07/21/new-take-marshmallow-test-when-it-comes-resisting-temptation-childs-cultural-upbringing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said one of the researchers</a>, University of Colorado Boulder psychology researcher Yuko Munakata.</p> <p>“It calls into question: How much of our scientific conclusions are shaped by the cultural lens we, as researchers, bring to our work?”</p> <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p199467-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> <form class="wpcf7-form mailchimp-ext-0.5.62 resetting spai-bg-prepared" action="/people/marshmallow-test-cultural-diverse/#wpcf7-f6-p199467-o1" method="post" novalidate="novalidate" data-status="resetting"> <p style="display: none !important;"><span class="wpcf7-form-control-wrap referer-page"><input class="wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text referer-page spai-bg-prepared" name="referer-page" type="hidden" value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/" data-value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/" aria-invalid="false" /></span></p> <p><!-- Chimpmail extension by Renzo Johnson --></form> </div> </div> <p>This is a larger problem than just some kids eating marshmallows. Historically, science – across <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/clinical-trials-have-far-too-little-racial-and-ethnic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clinical</a> and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1745691620927709" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychology</a> research – has a habit of having too little cultural diversity, and the new research shows why this can be an issue.</p> <p>The researchers found that the 80 children in Japan were much better at waiting to eat food when asked than the 58 children in the United States. However, this was reversed when asked to wait to open gifts.  </p> <p>“This interaction may reflect cultural differences: waiting to eat is emphasised more in Japan than in the United States, whereas waiting to open gifts is emphasised more in the United States than in Japan,” <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09567976221074650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the team write in their new paper.</a> </p> <p>“These findings suggest that culturally specific habits support delaying gratification, providing a new way to understand why individuals delay gratification and why this behaviour predicts life success.”</p> <p>This small study doesn’t look into the longer-term results of the original marshmallow experiment, like whether the kids will be more successful as adults. Along with cultural differences, other studies have shown <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/06/marshmallow-test/561779/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">qualities like affluence</a> are also a defining factor.</p> <p>All of this is only if the marshmallow test actually holds at all. <a href="https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/new-study-disavows-marshmallow-tests-predictive-powers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recent follow up studies</a> with <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797618761661" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger groups</a> of children followed into adulthood have shown that those who chose marshmallowey goodness straight away are not generally more or less financially secure, educated or healthy than their food-delaying peers.</p> <p>It seems that 50 years later the test is still telling us things – just about our own biases rather than predicting the future of five-year-olds.</p> <p><!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --></p> <p><img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=199467&amp;title=The+%26%238220%3Bmarshmallow+test%26%238221%3B+of+delayed+gratification+is+actually+culturally+diverse" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><!-- End of tracking content syndication --></p> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/marshmallow-test-cultural-diverse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/jacinta-bowler" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jacinta Bowler</a>. Jacinta Bowler is a freelance science journalist who has written about far-flung exoplanets, terrifying superbugs and everything in between. They have written articles for ABC, SBS, ScienceAlert and Pedestrian, and are a regular contributor for kids magazines Double Helix and KIT.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Caring

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Lyndey Milan’s chocolate pretzel and marshmallow slice

<p>Home cook hero Lyndey Milan shares a wickedly delicious chocolate pretzel slice recipe.</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>250g shortbread biscuits</li> <li>100g salted butter, melted</li> <li>250g dark chocolate bits (chips)</li> <li>150g marshmallows, halved</li> <li>75g mini pretzels</li> <li>250g pecans, walnuts or macadamias, roughly chopped</li> <li>100g milk chocolate buttons, roughly chopped</li> <li>100g white chocolate bits (chips)</li> <li>395g can condensed milk</li> <li>2 teaspoons salt flakes (optional)</li> <li>125g dark chocolate (melted)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line a <a href="http://lyndeymilan.com/bakeware-range/">33 x 24 x 4.5 baking tray </a>with baking paper.</li> <li>Crush biscuits in a food processor until fine, add butter, just long enough to combine. Press over base of tin and push down. Scatter over dark chocolate chips, marshmallows, pretzels and pecans.</li> <li>Sprinkle with the chopped milk buttons and white chocolate bits. Drizzle condensed milk over top. Sprinkle with salt flakes if desired.</li> <li>Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the slice is mostly firm. If the top is browning too quickly cover loosely with a sheet of foil.</li> <li>Leave to cool completely or refrigerate. Cut into small squares or slices to serve. Before serving melt dark chocolate in a snap lock bag in a bowl filled with hot water, snip corner and drizzle melted chocolate over slices.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Tips</strong></p> <p>Most slices take time, preparing the different layers and cooking and preparing different layers. This one doesn’t but it is very, very rich. Don’t even think about using skim condensed milk.</p> <p><em>Recipe from <a href="http://lyndeymilan.com/">Lyndey Milan</a>. As seen in Episode 4 in Lyndey Milan's Easy Summer Baking Secrets. More recipes at <a href="http://lyndeymilan.com/">www.lyndeymilan.com</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/lyndey-milan-chocolate-pretzel-marshmallow-slice.aspx">Wyza</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Chocolate pretzel and marshmallow slice

<p>Home cook hero Lyndey Milan shares a wickedly delicious chocolate pretzel slice recipe.</p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li>250g shortbread biscuits </li> <li>100g salted butter, melted</li> <li>250g dark chocolate bits (chips)</li> <li>150g marshmallows, halved </li> <li>75g mini pretzels</li> <li>250g pecans, walnuts or macadamias, roughly chopped</li> <li>100g milk chocolate buttons, roughly chopped</li> <li>100g white chocolate bits (chips) </li> <li>395g can condensed milk</li> <li>2 teaspoons salt flakes (optional)</li> <li>125g dark chocolate (melted)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line a <a href="http://lyndeymilan.com/bakeware-range/">33 x 24 x 4.5 baking tray</a>with baking paper.</li> <li>Crush biscuits in a food processor until fine, add butter, just long enough to combine. Press over base of tin and push down. Scatter over dark chocolate chips, marshmallows, pretzels and pecans.</li> <li>Sprinkle with the chopped milk buttons and white chocolate bits. Drizzle condensed milk over top. Sprinkle with salt flakes if desired.</li> <li>Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the slice is mostly firm. If the top is browning too quickly cover loosely with a sheet of foil.</li> <li>Leave to cool completely or refrigerate. Cut into small squares or slices to serve. Before serving melt dark chocolate in a snap lock bag in a bowl filled with hot water, snip corner and drizzle melted chocolate over slices.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Tips:</strong></p> <p>Most slices take time, preparing the different layers and cooking and preparing different layers. This one doesn’t but it is very, very rich. Don’t even think about using skim condensed milk.</p> <p><em>Recipe from <a href="http://lyndeymilan.com/">Lyndey Milan</a>. As seen in Episode 4 in Lyndey Milan's Easy Summer Baking Secrets. More recipes at <a href="http://lyndeymilan.com/">www.lyndeymilan.com</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/lyndey-milan-chocolate-pretzel-marshmallow-slice.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Chocolate marshmallow cupcakes

<p>What could be a better combination? The decadent warmth of a chocolate cupcake enriched with the gooey goodness of soft marshmallows. Great for baking with the grand children or for an indulgent afternoon treat.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Serves:</strong></span>12</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>3 medium eggs</li> <li>150g unsalted butter</li> <li>150g unrefined golden caster sugar </li> <li>175g self-raising white flour</li> <li>25g cocoa powder</li> </ul> <p><em>Buttercream</em></p> <ul> <li>300g icing sugar</li> <li>100g unsalted butter, softened</li> <li>40g cocoa powder</li> <li>40ml milk</li> </ul> <p><em>Decoration</em></p> <ul> <li>100g mini marshmallows</li> <li>12 large marshmallows</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <p>1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a cupcake tin with 12 cupcake cases.</p> <p>2. Cream together the butter and sugar using a freestanding or hand held electronic mixer, until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, beating in between. </p> <p>3. Carefully fold in the flour and cocoa powder until smooth and well mixed. Spoon into the cases until 2/3 full then place in the oven for about 20 minutes until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.</p> <p>4. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.</p> <p>5. To make the buttercream, beat together the icing sugar, butter and cocoa powder until well mixed then slowly add the milk whilst still beating until light and fluffy.</p> <p>6.  Next, gently melt the large marshmallows in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Scoop out a small well in the centre of each cupcake and pour in a little melted marshmallow into each one, then leave to cool.</p> <p>7. Finally, use a spoon or small palette knife to spread chocolate frosting onto the cakes and finish with the small marshmallows.</p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website,</strong></em> <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now.</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/hazelnut-rocher-cheesecake/">Hazelnut rocher cheesecake</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/apple-and-strawberry-pie/">Apple and strawberry pie</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/blackberry-cupcakes/%20%20">Blackberry cupcakes</a></strong></span></em></p> <p> </p>

Food & Wine

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Campfire dessert: how to make s’mores

<p>A favourite campfire treat in America, s’mores are a delicious dessert you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. If camping isn’t your thing, or you want to try these with the grandkids, get creative and make these at home using your griller. Oh, and in case you were wondering, they’re so named because everyone wants “s’more.” Obviously.</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p><ul><li>A packet of your favourite mild, plain biscuits</li><li>Milk chocolate squares</li><li>Marshmallows</li></ul><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p><ol><li>Leave your chocolate out to soften (close-ish to the fire, but not so close that it melts).</li><li>Toast your marshmallow over the fire, while it’s toasting, place a couple of squares of chocolate onto a biscuit.</li><li>When it’s nicely browned, slide the marshmallow on top of the chocolate-covered biscuit, and sandwich the whole thing together with another biscuit.</li></ol><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/02/bread-pudding/">Camp fire bread pudding</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/04/fire-starters-for-camping/">DIY fire starters</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/03/bush-damper-recipe/">How to make bush damper</a></strong></em></span></p>

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