Improving self-control in young children using mobile games
Official title: Feasibility of Shaping Tolerance for Delayed Rewards in Impulsive 3-6 Year Olds
Run by University of California, Davis · NCT03457402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a mobile game app to see if it can help preschool kids aged 3-6 learn to wait for bigger rewards and improve their self-control.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 12, 2017 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03457402 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are preschool-aged children between 3 to 6 years old who demonstrate high levels of impulsivity.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance self-control in preschool-aged children who exhibit high impulsivity by utilizing a mobile app that incorporates games designed to gradually increase wait times for larger rewards. Building on previous findings, the researchers will implement a 'shaping' procedure to teach children how to delay gratification effectively. The study will involve children aged 3-6 years, who will engage with the app while their progress is monitored to ensure the methods are developmentally appropriate. The goal is to refine these techniques and assess their effectiveness in a controlled environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve self-control in young children, leading to better academic and social outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that non-pharmacological approaches can effectively increase self-control in young children, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 3-6 years * Hyperactivity/Impulsivity subscale scores of the ADHD Rating Scale-IV Preschool Version (children 3 to 4 years of age) or the Attention and Behavior Scale (children 5 to 6 years of age) ≥ 90th percentile from either the parent or teacher's responses * Physically and visually able to use the tablet, as determined by pre-assessment performance * Children taking psychotropic medication will be included, but must maintain the same medication and dose over the course of the study and for each assessment and exhibit elevated levels of impulsivity based on parent or teacher ratings while medicated. Exclusion Criteria: * Children with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability (by parent or teacher report or the NIH Toolbox Picture Vocabulary Test).
Where it's running
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UC Davis MIND Institute
Sacramento, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julie Schweitzer, Ph.D. — UC Davis MIND Institute
- Study coordinator: Samantha Blair, PhD
- Email: hs-airlab@ucdavis.edu
- Phone: 916-703-0325
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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.