An evaluation of toy quality for increasing self-control in typically developing preschool children

Abstract

Children often make impulsive choices, and previous research has shown that access to activities during the delay may enhance self-control (e.g., Newquist, Dozier, & Neidert, 2012). The purpose of the current study was to extend the results of Newquist et al. (2012) by comparing the effects of access to low-preference, moderate-preference, and high-preference toys during delays. Results showed that (a) all toys increased self-control for 2 participants when toys were available for all choice options and (b) high-preference toys (and sometimes moderate-preference toys) increased self-control for 3 participants when the toys were available only for large delayed choices.

Keywords: children; delay; reinforcement; self-control; toy quality.