- Published: 2 November 2015
- ISBN: 9780552168861
- Imprint: Corgi
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 336
- RRP: $24.99
The Marshmallow Test
Understanding Self-control and How To Master It

















- Published: 2 November 2015
- ISBN: 9780552168861
- Imprint: Corgi
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 336
- RRP: $24.99
Your view of human nature will change profoundly as you read this brilliant book.
Daniel Kahneman, Author of 'Thinking, Fast and Slow'
This is an amazing, eye-opening, transformative, riveting book from one of the greatest psychologists of our time.
Carol S. Dweck, Professor of Psychology, Stanford University
Mischel has written a wonderful book, engaging, enlightening, and profound.
Daniel Goleman, author of 'Emotional Intelligence' and 'Focus'
Walter Mischel is one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, and The Marshmallow Test will make him one of the most influential in this century, too.
Steven Pinker
This is a complex book that explores human nature, neuroscience and genetics, enlivened by a sprinkling of anecdotes. It's also a book that can show you how to change your behaviour: whether it's finally setting up that pension, cutting your alcohol intake or shunning the marshmallows for good.
Rosamund Urwin, Evening Standard
The Marshmallow Test is a tour de force. Despite its serious academic content, it wears its learning lightly ... this book will make [Mischel] as much of a household name as his marshmallows are.
Natalie Gold, The Times
This is a genial, optimistic book and a rather soothing read ... it provides an important and largely painless insight into a profound transformation in psychology
The Sunday Times
Fast-paced and engaging
The Wall Street Journal
In our go-faster era, extreme impulsivity — from trolling to air rage — seems to be on the rise. So it is an apt moment for psychologist Walter Mischel to recap his much-cited "marshmallow test" ... Mischel takes us beyond the experiment into deep research on "delay ability", his formulation of "hot" and "cool" cognition, speculation on the role of genetics, and the implications of his work for public policy.
Nature
This book, a compendium of his life's research, is Mischel's attempt to demonstrate that self-control can be learned ... There are lessons that may prove useful to professionals [and] strategies one can employ to distract oneself from the temptation of instant gratification.
The Financial Times
Prof Mischel argues that individuals can be taught self-control with persistence and a number of practical techniques ... [and] such skills are increasingly valuable.
The Financial Times
A top five psychology title
Independent on Sunday
A picaresque journey through the human psyche - one in which the detours are at least as fascinating as the destination.
Mail on Sunday
This book is best read as a memoir of gratification ... it is a fascinating read and a considerable achievement.
The Economist
Mischel's insights are fascinating and rewarding.
Sunday Telegraph