Examining how early experiences with waiting affect children's ability to delay gratification
Official title: Delay of Gratification: Life Habits of Delaying and Cascading Effects on Life Outcomes
Run by University of California, Davis · NCT06605001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how young children's early experiences with waiting affect their ability to hold off on getting what they want and how that might influence their lives later on.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 7 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Davis, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 21, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06605001 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are typically developing children aged 4 to 6 years old.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with developmental disorders may not benefit from this study as they are pre-screened out of participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the relationship between young children's early life experiences and their ability to delay gratification, as well as the impact of these behaviors on later life outcomes. Participants, aged 4-6, will engage in various tasks designed to measure their delaying behaviors and cognitive flexibility, including games and questionnaires for both children and their parents. The study aims to understand how social conventions and choices influence delaying behaviors and will involve follow-up assessments one year later to track changes and outcomes. The research is conducted at the University of California, Davis, in collaboration with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how early experiences shape children's ability to delay gratification, potentially informing interventions that enhance academic and social outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that early experiences with delay of gratification can significantly impact later life outcomes, suggesting that this approach is grounded in established research.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Typically developing children will be recruited. Participants will be pre-screened for developmental disorders.
Where it's running
-
Center for Mind and Brain
Davis, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rachel Foster, B.S.
- Email: refoster@ucdavis.edu
- Phone: +1 530 754 4551
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.