Delayed Gratification in Blacks: A Critical Review

Abstract

Research on the delay of gratification in Blacks was critically reviewed. The methodology typically em ployed to investigate this construct involves offering the individual a choice of obtaining either a small, im mediate reward or a large, delayed reward. Contrary to previous reports, it is argued here that the evidence divides published studies into those demonstrating overall patterns of nonpreference for delayed versus immediate rewards and those demonstrating overall or partial patterns of preference for delayed rewards among Blacks. Little empirical evidence is provided in the literature of a tendency for Blacks to prefer im mediate gratification, or of the relationship of such behavior to other personality characteristics.