MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

Experts Say Having Friends With Good Self-Control Could Help You Build Yours Too

It's all about the company we keep - by Lucy Bode
  • 13 Jun 2018
Experts Say Having Friends With Good Self-Control Could Help You Build Yours Too

When it comes to willpower, there are two very different camps among us: those who have it and those who start salivating at the mere sniff of cake in the staff office.

But contrary to popular belief, we have way more control over how we respond to temptation than we think. According to a new study, it’s all down to the company we keep.

As part of Walter Mischel’s ‘Marshmellow Test’ in the 1960’s, a group of children aged between three and five-years-old were given a single marshmallow and told they could eat it immediately, however, if they waited 10 minutes they would be rewarded with another.

Most of the participants saw this as a no-brainer and opted to wait for the larger helping Initially, this was credited to them either being good at distracting themselves or having more self-control to begin with. But a follow-up study in 1990 revealed that this group exhibited advanced traits of intelligence in their teens compared to those who ate the sweet straight away.

Expanding on these findings, researchers at the University of Colorado presented pre-schoolers with the same test. They then randomly assigned participants to one of two groups: those who waited for two marshmallows and those who didn’t.

They observed that the children were more likely to hold out if they were told their peers had too. In short: the behaviour of the group directly influenced how the child exercised self-control.

As a result, the researchers suggested that parents can help their kids’ build willpower by exposing them to role models who value this quality.

This article originally appeared on Women's Health. 

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

A Doctor Reveals The Effects That Drinking Alcohol Has On Your Skin

A Doctor Reveals The Effects That Drinking Alcohol Has On Your Skin

These Two Australian Bars Have Just Been Voted In The World's Top 50

These Two Australian Bars Have Just Been Voted In The World's Top 50

Our Pick Of Light, Spritzy Tipples That Are Perfect For Year-Round Drinking

Our Pick Of Light, Spritzy Tipples That Are Perfect For Year-Round Drinking

The Best Alcoholic Gift Packs That'll Get Them In The Holiday Spirit

The Best Alcoholic Gift Packs That'll Get Them In The Holiday Spirit

{headline}

{headline}

Meet The Cult Gin Helping Us Celebrate The Silly Season

Meet The Cult Gin Helping Us Celebrate The Silly Season

Stuck At Home? Here’s How To Set Up Your Own Cocktail Bar

Stuck At Home? Here’s How To Set Up Your Own Cocktail Bar

PSA: 'Hot Cross Bun' Gin Exists And Yes, Yes, Yes

PSA: 'Hot Cross Bun' Gin Exists And Yes, Yes, Yes

{headline}

{headline}

12 Ways You Didn't Know You Were Drinking Champagne Wrong

12 Ways You Didn't Know You Were Drinking Champagne Wrong

Reese Witherspoon Shared Her Go-To 4-Ingredient Cocktail Recipe In A Viral Video

Reese Witherspoon Shared Her Go-To 4-Ingredient Cocktail Recipe In A Viral Video

All The Non-Wine (But Still Alcoholic) Drinks To BYO This Summer

All The Non-Wine (But Still Alcoholic) Drinks To BYO This Summer

16 Celebrities Who Don’t Drink Alcohol

16 Celebrities Who Don’t Drink Alcohol

12 Truly Spectacular Festive Drips To Get You Through The Holiday Season

12 Truly Spectacular Festive Drips To Get You Through The Holiday Season

Confessions Of A Female Brewer

Confessions Of A Female Brewer

Alcoholic Kombucha Now Exists So You Can Practise Wellness While Drinking

Alcoholic Kombucha Now Exists So You Can Practise Wellness While Drinking

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire