Self-control training: The effects of external control on children's resistance to temptation

Studied the effects of extent and kind of external control during training on later resistance to temptation. 84 58-75 mo olds were trained not to turn around to look at a toy display. 4 groups heard recordings emphasizing the positive consequences of nontransgression. External control was varied by...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Developmental psychology 1974-01, Vol.10 (1), p.108-115
Main Authors: Kanfer, Frederick H, Zich, Jane
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Human
Self-Control
Sex Linked Developmental Differences
Temptation
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Summary:Studied the effects of extent and kind of external control during training on later resistance to temptation. 84 58-75 mo olds were trained not to turn around to look at a toy display. 4 groups heard recordings emphasizing the positive consequences of nontransgression. External control was varied by hearing the verbalizations in the voice of the E or the S and by having the E absent or present during training. 2 control groups for the effects of task-relevant verbalizations heard no recording. Effects of training were tested in a situation where the response to be controlled was turning around to look at a surprise (caged hamster). Presence of a task-relevant controlling response during training significantly increased Ss' self-control, but this effect was also dependent on the E's location during training, with decreased external control (E absent) resulting in better self-control. Sex differences were also obtained, with boys transgressing significantly more quickly than girls.
ISSN:0012-1649
1939-0599
DOI:10.1037/h0035544