Table 1. Delaying Gratification Inventory (DGI) Items by Domain.
| Item | Text |
|---|---|
| Food | |
| 1 | I can resist junk food when I want to. |
| 6 | I would have a hard time sticking with a special, healthy diet. *† |
| 11 | If my favorite food were in front of me, I would have a difficult time waiting to eat it.* |
| 16 | It is easy for me to resist candy and bowls of snack foods. |
| 21 | Sometimes I eat until I make myself sick.* |
| 26 | I have always tried to eat healthy because it pays off in the long run. † |
| 31 | Even if I am hungry, I can wait until it is meal time before eating something. |
| Physical | |
| 2 | I am able to control my physical desires. |
| 7 | I like to get to know someone before having a physical relationship. |
| 12 | My habit of focusing on what “feels good” has cost me in the long run.* |
| 17 | I have given up physical pleasure or comfort to reach my goals. † |
| 22 | I prefer to explore the physical side of romantic involvements right away.* |
| 27 | When faced with a physically demanding chore, I always tried to put off doing it. *† |
| 32 | I have lied or made excuses in order to go do something more pleasurable. * |
| Social | |
| 3 | I hate having to take turns with other people. * |
| 8 | Usually I try to consider how my actions affect others. |
| 13 | I think that helping each other benefits society. * |
| 18 | I try to consider how my actions will affect other people in the long-term. † |
| 23 | I do not consider how my behavior affects other people. *† |
| 28 | I value the needs of other people around me. |
| 33 | There is no point in considering how my decisions affect other people. * |
| Money | |
| 4 | When I am able to, I try to save away a little money in case an emergency should arise. |
| 9 | It is hard for me to resist buying things I cannot afford. * |
| 14 | I try to spend my money wisely. † |
| 19 | I cannot be trusted with money. *† |
| 24 | When someone gives me money, I prefer to spend it right away. * |
| 29 | I manage my money well. |
| 34 | I enjoy spending money the moment I get it. * |
| Achievement | |
| 5 | I worked hard in school to improve myself as a person. |
| 10 | I have tried to work hard in school so that I could have a better future. |
| 15 | In school, I tried to take the easy way out. * |
| 20 | I am capable of working hard to get ahead in life. |
| 25 | I cannot motivate myself to accomplish long-term goals. *† |
| 30 | I have always felt like my hard work would pay off in the end. † |
| 35 | I would rather take the easy road in life than get ahead. * |
Note.
*
indicates reverse-coded item.
†
indicates inclusion on DGI-10 short form composite.