“[marshmallow study] One detail of the experiment that is less well known is what the children did during those 15 minutes of struggling to not eat the first marshmallow. The researchers observations reveal a literal embodiment of self-binding. The children covered their eyes with their hands or turn around so they can't see the try [with the marshmallows], start kicking the desk, or tug on their pigtails, or stroke the marshmallow as if it were a tiny stuffed animal. Covering eyes and turning away are reminiscent of physical self-binding. Tugging on pigtails suggests using physical pain as a distraction...[]. But what of stroking the marshmallow? This child, instead of turning away from the desired object, made it a pet, far too precious to eat, or at least to eat impulsively.”