Examining how early experiences with waiting affect children's ability to delay gratification

Delay of Gratification: Life Habits of Delaying and Cascading Effects on Life Outcomes

NA · University of California, Davis · NCT06605001

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis (other)
Locations1 site (Davis, California)
Trial IDNCT06605001 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are typically developing children aged 4 to 6 years old.

Not a fit: Children with developmental disorders may not benefit from this study as they are pre-screened out of participation.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Typically developing children will be recruited. Participants will be pre-screened for developmental disorders.

Where this trial is running

Davis, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: The Ability to Delay Gratification, Delay of Gratification, Waiting, Habits, Academic Outcomes

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.