It's a test of emotional intelligence. Students who can deal with their emotions and hold out to get two marshmallows turn out not only to be more emotionally capable but also to be more competent in life and at school. The book collects a mass of research which shows that students' emotional development is critical to their school results and success in life. For example, researchers have shown that students who are more emotionally capable at age four perform much much better in college entrance examinations at the end of high school. Being able to recognise and deal with emotions leads to greater success at school, in the workforce and in relationships.
Emotional intelligence is an extension of the concept of multiple intelligence.
Intelligence is not just a simple characteristic but is composed of a number of very different components such as mathematical intelligence and musical intelligence. Practical ideas for understanding and dealing with our own emotions and those of others and helping children do the same are demonstrated in the workshops.