The Marshmallow Test: Understanding self-control and how to master it


by Walter Mischel (2015)


It's hard to take Mischel's argument for nurture terribly seriously immediately after reading Plomin's "Blueprint".  It isn't as if Plomin's book isn't flawed , but it nonetheless did make a pretty convincing case that we are largely determined by our genes.   Mischel, on the other hand, whilst also giving a nod to the importance of genetic determinism, remains far more optimistic than Plomin that we can choose to alter ourselves in a way that can change outcomes in a meaningful sort of a way. 

He argues that it doesn't all come down to whether we were able to resist the marshmallow aged three and a half.  According to him, we can learn optimism, a growth mindset and various  other strategies for resisting temptation.  The problem is that the marshmallow test and their ilk, including Dweck's Growth Mindset theory have been subject to the replication problem from which it seems possible to conclude that whilst environmental interventions may make small differences, these usually are minute and are almost always subject to "fadeout".

As a parent and educator it really does leave you thinking "Hey ho...there probably is sod all I can actually do to ameliorate a poor genetic legacy.  Let's just go with the flow instead, because that seems all one can possibly do."

Mischel's book is, however, thoroughly entertaining and seamlessly written with engaging anecdotes.  Shame about the replication crisis.

Rating 7/10







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