Cultural differences in delay of gratification: A problem of behavior classification.

Abstract

Recent critiques of deficiency explanations of minority behavior have suggested that frequently used methods in delay of gratification research are culturally biased, and employ culturally irrelevant behavior classifications. The present study attempted to show that among Hawaiian-Americans the immediate consumption of resources (immediate gratification) could be most meaningfully interpreted in terms of the relation of resource usage and cultural values rather than psychological deficiency. Hawaiian and Japanese-American adolescents were asked to indicate what they would do with a $1,500 windfall. The Hawaiians were more likely to indicate immediate consumption than the Japanese. There were no group differences in designations for personal use, or for "save/invest." However, comparisons of intended use of the money showed that Hawaiians would share with family and others most frequently. The Japanese more often earmarked money for education. Although there were significant differences in socioeconomic status between the two cultural groups, there were no within-group correlations between socioeconomic status and intended use. The relative effects of culture and socioeconomic status were discussed.

Affective Decision-Making among Preschool Children in Diverse Cultural Contexts

“…Compared to 4-year-olds, 3-year-olds more often choose the smaller immediate reward instead of the larger delayed reward (e.g., Hongwanishkul et al, 2005), demonstrating their difficulties in inhibiting their desires (Zelazo et al, 2009;Zelazo et al, 2005). Although some studies have suggested that emphasis on delay of gratification was similar across different cultures (e.g., Godoy & Jacobson, 1999), other studies on delay of gratification tasks have shown that culture, social norms, and social learning (Gallimore, Weiss, & Finney, 1974) may influence children's decision making. Hence, the current study aims to examine whether Eastern Asian preschoolers outperform North American preschoolers on affective decision making.…”

The Interaction of Culture and Learning: Implications for Occupational Therapy

“…When compared with Anglo-American students, Japanese and Hawaiian students were motivated more by a concern for the reaction of others than by a need for personal satisfaction (DeVos. 1968; Gallimore, Weiss & Finney, 1974). In addition, young Hawaiians seemed to regard the contribution to and the continual affiliation with the family as a more important goal than personal achievement (Gallimore, I3oggs & Jordan, 1974).…”

“…Researchers (Gallimore, Boggs & Jordan, 1974;Gallimore, Weiss & Finney, 1974;Gray, 1975) noted the importance placed on family and the reactions of others.…”

Academic Delay of Gratification and its Relationship to Motivational Determinants, Academic Achievement, and Study Hours among Omani High School Students: A Path Analysis

“…Furthermore, although early writings on academic delay of gratification are rooted in cross-cultural psychology (Gallimore, Weiss, & Finney, 1974), the vast majority of academic delay of gratification research has been conducted in Western cultures. Thus, there is a need for more research to be conducted on how participants from different cultures construe academic delay of gratification, and how academic delay of gratification is related to other psychological constructs within nonWestern cultures.…”