How Socioeconomic Status Differences Observable in Students' Delay of Gratification Evolved Over the Period of COVID-19-induced Online Education

Paper Details

Authors: Keller T.; Kiss H.J.

DOI: 10.3311/PPso.21893

Journal: Periodica Polytechnica Social and Management Sciences

Year: 2026

Publisher: Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Document Type: Article

Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access

Cited by: 0

Abstract

We show the evolution of the delay of gratification (DG) in 950 students aged 10–14 during coronavirus-induced home-based online education, by analysing data from two waves of voluntary online surveys. Students in the highest SES category experienced an absolute increase in DG, whereas those in the lowest SES category suffered a decrease, resulting in a widening SES gap between the groups over a relatively short 30-day period. © 2026 Budapest University of Technology and Economics. All rights reserved.

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic; delay of gratification; online education; primary school students; socioeconomic status

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