Question

Compare the Freudian notion of “delay of gratification” with that developed by Mischel. What role does delay of gratification play in these two theoretical approaches to personality?

Answer 1

The Freudian notion of "delay of gratification" is the interplay between the id and the ego. The id works on "pleasure principle" that requires immediate gratification of wants, wheras, ego operates on "reality principle" in the gratification of wants that is ego considers about the long term benefits for gratification of wants. Thus, ego chooses long term benefits over short term benefits, this is delayed gratification according to Freudian notion. Example- Waking up early morning seems difficult for jogging for maintaining good health. Our id asks us to sleep for some more time,this is short term instant gratification, whereas, our ego doesn't permits this and we go for jogging every morning for the long term benefit of good health.

Mischel's notion of "delayed gratification" does not include the role of id and ego. It simply states that human choose long term benefits over short term benefits, though it may require an extra effort and has to wait for it. In the same example- We choose jogging over sleeping for an extra hour because jogging helps to stay healthy and fit for life.