It turns out self-control in childhood can predict better health and financial stability in adulthood, according to a new study.
The study released this week shows that children with more self-control had lower rates of addiction, higher earnings and higher rates of single parent-households once they were in their 30s. This was an in-depth effort that tracked 1,000 individuals from birth to age 32.
Even after accounting for differences in social class, intelligence and home life, kids with lower self-control scores at age three were more likely to have adult health problems such as sexually-transmitted diseases, gum disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and excess weight, the study found…Kids with low self-control were also more likely to later be dependent on drugs or alcohol, to have lower annual incomes, to be single parents and to have been convicted of a crime. “Why Self-Control Matters for Kids.” The Juggle, WSJ. 1/25/11.
The study also took its work a step further, not simply reporting its findings, but instead adding that these results could shape public policies.
…Our findings imply that innovative policies that put self-control center stage might reduce a panoply of costs that now heavily burden citizens and governments.” – “A gradient of childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety. Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences. 1/24/11.
The research also reminded me of The Marshmallow Test.
A researcher tells these preschoolers that she is going to leave the room. If they wait for her to come back without eating the marshmallow they’ll get two marshmallows. Or, they can ring the bell and she’ll come back right away, but then they only get one marshmallow. – Mind in the Making: Essential Life Skills for Kids, YouTube video.
The new study has generated a lot of media coverage, including: