From Brain to Mind

Share this post

Delayed gratification is easier when the decisions lie in the misty future

brain2mind.substack.com

Discover more from From Brain to Mind

A neurosurgeon's take on stuff... grow a bit smarter every day
Continue reading
Sign in

Delayed gratification is easier when the decisions lie in the misty future

Marc Arginteanu
Sep 27, 2023
5
Share this post

Delayed gratification is easier when the decisions lie in the misty future

brain2mind.substack.com
Share

When people are offered the choice of $10 today or $11 tomorrow, they are likely to choose to receive the lesser amount immediately. But, when given a choice between $10 in one year or $11 in a year and a day, people often choose the higher, delayed amount. 

Thanks for reading From Brain to Mind! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Scientists, evaluating fMRI on volunteers, report the emotional limbic system is preferentially activated by decisions involving immediately available rewards, but a greater relative prefrontal cortex activity is observed when subjects choose amongst longer-term options. 

The cogitating prefrontal cortex is required for people to slam the breaks on that pesky amygdala and benefit from delayed gratification.

For a more comprehensive discussion: 

https://brain2mind.substack.com/p/dont-eat-the-marshmallow

Thanks for reading From Brain to Mind! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

5
Share this post

Delayed gratification is easier when the decisions lie in the misty future

brain2mind.substack.com
Share
Comments
Top
New
Community

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Marc Arginteanu
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing