The study of self-control is being increasingly studied by social psychologists, as they have found it to be as important to achievement as intelligence and grit.
Some grow up in safe, nurturing environments, and although they react swiftly to challenges, they have more self-control and calm down quickly, the study says.
Mischel is also preparing a large-scale study involving hundreds of schoolchildren in Philadelphia, Seattle, and New York City to see if self-control skills can be taught.