The ability to delay gratification has long been linked to favorable life outcomes, including financial well-being. Yet, most existing evidence comes from small-scale or cross-sectional studies, often limited to WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) populations. This study draws on longitudinal data from more than 207,000 adults across 22 countries and one territory who participated in the Global Flourishing Study, surveyed at two time points approximately one year apart (2022–2024). We examined whether individuals’ propensity to delay gratification predicted subsequent financial well-being, measured with four indicators: financial security, material security, subjective perception of household income, and high-income attainment. Country-specific multivariate regression models, adjusted for demographic and childhood variables, were estimated and synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis. Robustness tests were conducted. Results showed that delayed gratification prospectively predicted greater financial security, material security, and more positive perceptions of household income, but not actual income attainment. Effect sizes were modest and varied across countries, with the strongest associations observed in WEIRD societies and for subjective financial outcomes. These findings highlight delayed gratification as an important, though culturally contingent, predictor of financial well-being. They also point to the need for culturally informed consumer education and policy strategies.
Author(s): Dorota Weziak-Bialowolska, Piotr Bialowolski, Ying Chen, Eric Kim, Richard Cowden, Noah Padgett, Byron Johnson, Tyler VanderWeele
