If a child refuses to eat a cookie so later in the day he can have something he likes more, what ability related to emotional intelligence is he exhibiting?

A) Controlling or keeping in check negative emotions
B) Recognizing or understanding his own feelings
C) Delaying immediate gratification to achieve a goal
D) Controlling or keeping in check positive emotions

Answer: C
Explanation: A) Incorrect. Though this is one aspect of emotional intelligence, it does not describe the child's behavior.
B) Incorrect. Though this is one aspect of emotional intelligence, it does not describe the child's behavior.
C) Correct. The example in the book was that children chose between one marshmallow now or two marshmallows later. A follow-up study showed that those who were able to wait were less likely to fall apart under stress and more likely to accomplish their goals.
D) Incorrect. Keeping in check positive emotions is not an aspect of emotional intelligence.