Preschoolers' Capability to Delay Gratification Based on the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Along with great inventions for accessibility and satisfaction, people tend to rely on effortless and instantaneous works and neglect the value of waiting. Children nowadays are having troubles delaying gratification since their minds are focused on the needs and desires at the present moment. This study seeks to determine the significant relationship between delayed gratification and the triarchic intelligence of children to prove that delayed gratification plays a big role in people's lives. The triarchic theory of intelligence is not just described as a single ability, it is categorized into three different aspects, the Componential, Experiential and Practical Aspects.

METHODS

The study used a correlational type of quantitative research and self-structured questionnaires as instruments of gathering data in which it was verified and approved. These self-structured questionnaires are situational and have undergone a reliability test. The main subjects of the study were the Kinder II students and the considered respondents were the parents since the children are incapable of answering the items stated in the questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by statistical techniques including Pearson r, weighted mean, P-values, percentages, and frequency.

RESULTS

The data present that in terms of delaying gratification, the reality principle got the higher composite mean than the pleasure principle. It means that most of the children have the capability to delay their gratification more than to satisfy their desires. Meanwhile, in terms of triarchic intelligence, the practical aspect was strongly agreed upon while the componential and experiential aspect was agreed as verbal interpretations. This shows that majority of the children has the ability to adapt in real life situations. It was also found that both pleasure and reality principle have a significant relationship with the componential and experiential aspects. However, only the reality principle acquired a significant relationship with the practical aspect. It indicates that delaying gratification helps the children to use their learning in order to cope up with different life situations.

DISCUSSIONS

The results exposed the importance of the capability to delay gratification in children's lives specifically their triarchic intelligence. Parents and teachers must understand the concept of delayed gratification. In this way, they would be able to acknowledge and improve the behavior of the children.