The delay of gratification (DoG) in children is widely investigated with an experimental

procedure originally called the “marshmallow test,” whereas the studies on self-regulation

(SR) in adolescents and adults usually use self-report questionnaires. Delay discounting

(DD) measures simplify the DoG procedure and focus on monetary rewards. The aim of

this study was to investigate age differences in DoG and DD from childhood to old age

using a test that is suitable for both children and adults. Furthermore, investigations were

conducted on the association between DoG/DD and two future orientation constructs

[future time perspective (FTP) and episodic future thinking (EFT)] as well as age differences

in these constructs. Participants from five age groups (9–14, 18–25, 35–55, 65–80, 80+)

participated in the study (N = 96). While we found no age difference for DoG, DD was

the lowest [i.e., self-control (SC) was the highest] in young/middle adults; however, it

was the highest (i.e., SC was the lowest) in children and old/oldest adults. Furthermore,

we found significant age differences for DD and FTP. As predicted, there were strong

correlations between DoG and FTP and between DD and FTP, but not between DoG/DD

and EFT. These results indicate that age differences in SR vary across themeasures used.

Individuals who generally think and act in a future-oriented manner have a stronger ability

to delay gratification.