Choosing instant satisfaction rather than waiting for a greater reward in the future is known as?

• A. Life chances
• B. Self-control
• C. Delayed gratification
• D. Immediate gratification

Answer: (D)

Choosing something right now for instant satisfaction, instead of waiting for a bigger reward later, is described as immediate gratification. It highlights a preference for the present moment over future gains. This differs from delayed gratification, which is the ability to postpone the immediate reward to achieve a larger payoff later. Self-control is the underlying ability that helps someone delay gratification, but the behavior itself is best called immediate gratification. Life chances refer to overall opportunities in life and aren’t about the urge to take a reward now.