Individual and situational characteristics as determinants of delay of gratification.

This investigation deals with the influence of situational variables and individual differences (internal versus external locus of control and achievement motivation) on self-imposed gratification delay. The sample consisted of 243 male and female high school students. Subjects who only had to wait for the delayed reward (Group 1) chose the delayed reward significantly more frequently than subjects who had to wait and complete either a routine task (Group 2) or a difficult task, the successful completion of which was uncertain (Group 3). Groups 2 and 3 did not differ significantly. Persons with internal as compared to external socus of control chose the delayed reward less often in the difficult and uncertain condition (Group 3). Girls chose the delayed reward significantly more often than boys in all conditions. Several interactions between sex and achievement motivation occurred. The results are discussed in respect to decision-making and interaction theories.