Research on the development of cognitive and behavioral competencies associated with delay in gratifi cation illustrates the social-cognitive approach to questions of both self-control and personality development

Research on the development of cognitive and behavioral competencies associated with delay in gratifi cation illustrates the social-cognitive approach to questions of both self-control and personality development. Standards for selfcontrol are learned through the observation of models and through reinforcement. The ability to delay gratifi cation involves the development of cognitive competencies, especially involving the control of attention; people who distract themselves from frustrating situations are better able to control their negative emotions and impulses. Research also indicates that individual differences in the capacity to delay gratifi - cation are remarkably stable across the course of development.