Self-control in children: Age, preference for reinforcer amount and delay, and language ability

Choices between larger, more delayed and smaller, less delayed food reinforcers (a self-control paradigm) were examined in 45 boys and girls, along with their age, preference for reinforcer amount and reinforcer delay, and language ability test scores. Only the 5-year-olds showed statistically significant self-control. The 3-year-olds were indifferent, alternating between the two response alternatives. The behavior of the 7-year-olds was quite variable (similar to human adults' behavior). Only the 7-year-olds' behavior showed statistically significant preference for larger reinforcer amounts and for smaller reinforcer delays. Language ability was not related to self-control, and no gender differences were observed. These data indicate that, as children age, their behavior becomes more sensitive to reinforcer contingencies, and their self-control behavior changes (but does not monotonically increase). (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.