Postponing Gratification

A brief summary of current research.

Using a temporal discounting paradigm to measure decision-making and impulsivity following traumatic brain injury: a pilot

McHugh L, Wood RL. Brain Inj. 2008 Aug;22(9):715-21.

This research looked at the ability of people to control their first impulses and postpone gratification. It found that people with TBI may be more impulsive than those without an injury. In this study, people with TBI often chose a smaller, more immediate reward rather than wait for a larger reward. Knowing that someone with a TBI might tend to make quick, impulsive decisions is important in situations dealing with money.

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