Sharing with others and delaying for the future in preschoolers

Abstract

This study explored age differences in preschoolers’ temporal and social discounting and the association of these abilities. Research indicates that 4-year-olds are sensitive to rewards of differing magnitude ( Lemmon & Moore, 2007). However, it is unclear whether preschoolers are able to consider length of time when making a choice to delay ( Mischel, Masters, & Grusec, 1969). In this study, 66, 3- and 4-year-olds were presented a delay of gratification task in which length of delay was manipulated. Additionally, they were given a sharing task in which they distributed toys between themselves, a friend, and another peer. Results suggested sensitivity to delay differences only in the oldest group. Furthermore, delay sensitivity was associated with sharing more preferred toys with friends compared to another peer, suggesting that favoring the “self” closer in time overlaps with favoring “another” who is closer socially.