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Delayed gratification is an essential component in the development of self-control among students. This study aims to identify the relationship between age, gender, and social context (alone vs paired group) with the level of delayed gratification among Chinese primary school students in Serdang, Kedah. A total of 64 students were selected as samples using purposeful sampling in a snack delay task. A quantitative approach with a non-parametric correlational design was used as the data did not meet normality assumptions based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (p < 0.05). The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to examine differences in delayed gratification levels between two social contexts and gender differences, while the Spearman Rho Correlation test was used to identify the relationship between age and delayed gratification levels.The findings revealed a positive relationship between age and delayed gratification levels, where older students demonstrated better self-control. Additionally, there were significant differences between male and female students, with female students exhibiting more consistent self-control across both social contexts. The social context also influenced self-control, where male students were more easily affected by group dynamics compared to female students.Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of age, gender, and social context in influencing delayed gratification levels. The study recommends that schools, teachers, and parents consider these factors when designing intervention strategies and self-control development programs. Future research is suggested to explore cultural factors, socioeconomic background, and specific intervention effects in enhancing students' self-control skills.

Keywords: Delayed gratification, peers, self-control, gender, primary education, experiment, Snack Delay Task